Why We Can’t Sleep: The Psychology Behind the Modern Sleep Crisis with Dr. Sarah Silverman, PhD
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Episode Summary: Sleep is one of the most fundamental human needs—and yet, so many of us struggle to get enough of it. In this episode, Shaina sits down with Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert, to unpack the modern sleep crisis and explore what’s really keeping us awake.
Together, they explore the biological, psychological, and cultural factors that shape how—and how well—we sleep, from stress and technology use to our individual chronotypes and nervous system responses. Dr. Silverman shares practical, science-backed tools for improving sleep naturally, including insights from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the gold-standard, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia.
This episode invites clinicians and listeners alike to rethink sleep beyond “sleep hygiene,” integrating compassion, nervous system awareness, and evidence-based strategies for better rest.
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Learning Objectives (CE Eligible):
- Identify the psychological and physiological factors that interfere with restorative sleep, including the impact of stress, anxiety, and modern lifestyle demands.
- Describe how chronotypes and circadian rhythms influence individual sleep patterns and the challenges posed by societal expectations.
- Apply at least one evidence-based intervention from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to support clients struggling with sleep difficulties.
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About Our Guest: Dr. Sarah Silverman is a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert passionate about helping women get to the root cause of their sleep struggles. Using a personalized, mindfulness-based approach, she empowers clients to improve sleep naturally and sustainably.
Dr. Silverman is an expert in CBT-I, the first-line, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia, and has been published in leading journals including Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation. She regularly provides digital media commentary on sleep health and advocates for greater access to science-backed sleep education—because quality sleep is not a luxury; it’s a human necessity.
Connect with Dr. Silverman on Instagram @drsarahsleep and learn more about her work at drsarahsleep.com.
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Resources:
- To find a local sleep psychologist or insomnia / CBT-I specialist near you, visit the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM) online directoryand search based on your state.
- To find a local sleep medicine physician or sleep center near you, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) sleep center directoryand search with your zip code.
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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.
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