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"My Mighty Quinn" - From Tics, Turbulence, Distraction and Disconnection to Calm, Confident and Connected" - S3 Episode 3: Sleep Matters: Expert Tips for Restful Nights and Better Days with Natasha Duffin

S3 Episode 3: Sleep Matters: Expert Tips for Restful Nights and Better Days with Natasha Duffin

02/06/25 • 61 min

"My Mighty Quinn" - From Tics, Turbulence, Distraction and Disconnection to Calm, Confident and Connected"

This episode is all about the life-changing power of sleep, particularly for children and families navigating neurodevelopmental challenges. I’m joined by Natasha Duffin, an incredible occupational therapist and founder of Whole Child Co., whose expertise in sleep, oral function, and airway health has helped countless families. Together, we’ll uncover how improving sleep quality can transform lives.

Episode Summary
Sleep is the golden thread tying health, growth, and emotional well-being together, but for many families, it’s the missing piece of the puzzle. In this episode, we explore why sleep quality matters far more than hours in bed. We dive into the root causes of poor sleep—such as allergies, oral dysfunction, and sensory issues—and reveal why behaviours like snoring or mouth breathing shouldn’t be ignored.

Key Takeaways

  • Quality over quantity: Good sleep is about how restorative it is, not just hours slept.
  • Red flags to notice: Emotional dysregulation, snoring, mouth breathing, and frequent waking are signs worth investigating.
  • Solutions that work: Natasha’s expertise in oral function, breathing exercises, and allergy management has transformed lives.

Top Tips for Better Sleep

  1. Mind the screens: Switch off devices at least an hour before bed to support melatonin production.
  2. Check breathing habits: Nasal breathing is essential—mouth breathing may signal an issue.
  3. Create calming rituals: Simple, predictable routines signal safety to the nervous system.
  4. Address allergies: Unchecked allergies can disrupt sleep and trigger other health problems.
  5. Co-regulation matters: Children rely on parents for emotional regulation—stay present.

Resources and Further Reading

  • Connect with Natasha Duffin: Whole Child Co
  • Download our guide: Top Tips for Sleep Hygiene at The Brain Health Movement.
  • Books we love: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst for easing separation anxiety.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with friends or family, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review My Mighty Quinn. Sleep well, and see you next time!

Resource Links:

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This episode is all about the life-changing power of sleep, particularly for children and families navigating neurodevelopmental challenges. I’m joined by Natasha Duffin, an incredible occupational therapist and founder of Whole Child Co., whose expertise in sleep, oral function, and airway health has helped countless families. Together, we’ll uncover how improving sleep quality can transform lives.

Episode Summary
Sleep is the golden thread tying health, growth, and emotional well-being together, but for many families, it’s the missing piece of the puzzle. In this episode, we explore why sleep quality matters far more than hours in bed. We dive into the root causes of poor sleep—such as allergies, oral dysfunction, and sensory issues—and reveal why behaviours like snoring or mouth breathing shouldn’t be ignored.

Key Takeaways

  • Quality over quantity: Good sleep is about how restorative it is, not just hours slept.
  • Red flags to notice: Emotional dysregulation, snoring, mouth breathing, and frequent waking are signs worth investigating.
  • Solutions that work: Natasha’s expertise in oral function, breathing exercises, and allergy management has transformed lives.

Top Tips for Better Sleep

  1. Mind the screens: Switch off devices at least an hour before bed to support melatonin production.
  2. Check breathing habits: Nasal breathing is essential—mouth breathing may signal an issue.
  3. Create calming rituals: Simple, predictable routines signal safety to the nervous system.
  4. Address allergies: Unchecked allergies can disrupt sleep and trigger other health problems.
  5. Co-regulation matters: Children rely on parents for emotional regulation—stay present.

Resources and Further Reading

  • Connect with Natasha Duffin: Whole Child Co
  • Download our guide: Top Tips for Sleep Hygiene at The Brain Health Movement.
  • Books we love: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst for easing separation anxiety.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with friends or family, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review My Mighty Quinn. Sleep well, and see you next time!

Resource Links:

Previous Episode

undefined - S3 Episode 2: ADHD Uncovered: Misconceptions, Medication and a 360° Approach with Sean McNicholas

S3 Episode 2: ADHD Uncovered: Misconceptions, Medication and a 360° Approach with Sean McNicholas

In this episode, we’re tackling ADHD—a condition affecting millions of children and adults. Our guest, Sean McNicholas, brings unparalleled expertise and personal experience to the conversation.

ADHD diagnoses have soared in recent years, but too often, the focus remains on managing symptoms instead of understanding the root causes. This episode invites ADHD specialist, therapist, and coach Sean McNicholas, whose personal journey and professional insights shed light on holistic approaches that transform lives. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Sean has overcome immense challenges to become a leading advocate for brain health, working to uncover the root causes of ADHD and promote whole-child interventions.

Sean shares his 360° approach, emphasising sleep, diet, exercise, and the power of connection. Together, we explore ADHD misconceptions, the dangers of one-size-fits-all medication, and the need for early intervention. Sean also discusses his work addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, showing how holistic brain health strategies can rewrite narratives for children and adults alike.

Key Takeaways:

  • ADHD Goes Beyond the Stereotypes: ADHD impacts much more than attention, often affecting sleep, emotional regulation, and social relationships.
  • Holistic, Whole-Child Approaches: Addressing sleep, diet, exercise, and social connection can significantly improve brain health.
  • Medication is Not the Only Answer: While it has its place, treating ADHD with a one-size-fits-all approach overlooks the underlying issues.
  • Root Causes Matter: Factors like transgenerational trauma, gut health, and environmental influences play significant roles in ADHD development.
  • Family Support is Crucial: Healing ADHD symptoms often involves addressing the dynamics within the home, starting with parents’ regulation and self-awareness.

Episode Links:

  • Learn more about Sean McNicholas on Instagram, at his Website and his work at ADHD Liberty.
  • Download our Top Tips for ADHD Management: Free Cheat Sheet.
  • Recommended Podcast: The Attention Divide with Dr. Peter Skye and Dr. Ro

Resource Links:

Next Episode

undefined - S3 Episode 4: Inside the World of a Neuro-Development Specialist with AnneMarie Smellie

S3 Episode 4: Inside the World of a Neuro-Development Specialist with AnneMarie Smellie

Welcome to My Mighty Quinn!
I’m your host, Lucia Silver, founder of the Brain Health Movement and proud mother of the Mighty Quinn. In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Anne Marie Smellie, a neurodevelopmental specialist with over 20 years of experience helping children and families uncover the root causes of developmental, learning, and behavioral challenges.

Episode Summary

We dive into the critical gaps in conventional healthcare when addressing symptoms like anxiety, ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, and more. Anne Marie shares her holistic approach, integrating retained primitive reflex therapy, auditory processing interventions, nutrition, and emotional support to transform lives. You’ll learn how understanding the “why” behind symptoms can unlock powerful tools to help your child thrive.

Top Takeaways:

  1. Root Cause Focus: Addressing retained primitive reflexes, auditory sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies is key to effective interventions.
  2. Collaboration is Key: Parents play a central role in implementing home strategies like reflex integration exercises and dietary changes.
  3. The Role of Play: Activities like tag or climbing are essential for integrating reflexes and building core strength.
  4. Empathy Without Overwhelm: Teach children to balance caring for others without absorbing their emotions.
  5. Auditory Processing Matters: Addressing how the brain interprets sound can significantly impact learning and behavior.

Resources for Parents:

  • Learn more about Anne Marie Smellie: Quester Therapies Website
  • Free Resource Download: Access Anne Marie’s curated list of flower remedies for emotional stability and anxiety support in our cheat sheet here.
  • Recommended Reading:
    • Hearing Equals Behavior by Dr. Guy Berard
    • The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith

Get Involved:

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need it. Don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Visit our website for your free cheat sheet and connect with Anne Marie to explore holistic support for your child’s unique needs. Let’s work together to create a brighte

Resource Links:

"My Mighty Quinn" - From Tics, Turbulence, Distraction and Disconnection to Calm, Confident and Connected" - S3 Episode 3: Sleep Matters: Expert Tips for Restful Nights and Better Days with Natasha Duffin

Transcript

[00:00:00] Lucia Silver: Hello and welcome to the Brain Health Movement's podcast, My Mighty Quinn. I'd like to open today with Thomas Decker's quote, sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of sleep and health and highlights that sleep is a crucial link in maintaining overall health and well being.

[00:00:24] Lucia Silver: For those who have been following this podcast and our educ

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