Ep189: Unlocking Toddler Science: Enhancing Adult Sleep and Wellness with Dr. Hasan Merali

OVERVIEW

"We should all be asking more questions. And it doesn't have to be something really big or something we're shy about."

In today's episode we are joined by, Dr. Hasan Merali, for an insightful discussion about the fascinating lessons adults can learn from children's behaviors and routines. Dr. Merali, a pediatric emergency medicine expert and author of "Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers," shares valuable insights on how observing toddlers can positively impact our adult lives.

Hasan Merali, MD, MPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on child injury prevention in low- and middle-income countries. He has published more than twenty-five peer-reviewed journal articles, and his writing has been featured in Science, The Boston Globe, NBC, CBC, and Popular Science. Dr. Merali lives in Oakville, Ontario, with his wife and their toddler daughter.

Join us as we explore the importance of setting boundaries, practicing mindful eating, and adopting mindful sleep routines inspired by toddlers. Stay tuned into the science of toddlers and uncover practical tips for improving your sleep and overall well-being.

Key points covered in this episode include the following:

1. Embracing Positive Self-Talk: The importance of positive self-talk and reducing negative self-talk for stress reduction and better sleep. The concept of self-compassion and language-based routines before bed can significantly improve sleep quality for both children and adults.

2. Learning from Children's Behaviors: The discussion sheds light on valuable lessons that adults can learn from children's natural behaviors and skills, such as deep breathing, setting boundaries, and maintaining consistent bedtime routines. From mindful eating to effective communication, toddlers demonstrate remarkable attributes that can positively impact adult lives.

3. Wellness Lessons Applicable to Adults: Dr. Merali's insights from his book, "Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers," highlight how adults can integrate toddlers' habits and behaviors into their lives to enhance overall wellness. Drawing parallels to teamwork, self-discovery, and stress reduction, there's a wealth of wisdom to be gained from the world of toddlers.

“It's okay to say NO and look at the toddlers, how they do it so well is, I think, a wonderful lesson to prevent getting to that point of overwhelm and high stress.” - Dr. Hasan Merali


WHAT WILL WE LEARN

00:00 Dr. Merali explores parallels between toddler and adult behavior.

05:37 Children's curious nature and playfulness is commendable.

08:07 Observing children's talk relates to psychotherapy techniques.

13:20 Establish pre-sleep routine for relaxation and calm.

15:21 Canadian pediatric sleep specialists use routine booklet to aid children's bedtime.

18:05 Practice self-compassion to improve sleep and well-being.

22:16 Using phone for alarm part of nightly routine

24:10 Using distant outlet to set wake-up routine.

28:47 Preschool drop-off at 7 AM, kids lively.

31:29 Book delves into life and work improvements.

35:03 Toddlers' natural inquisitiveness builds trust and relationships.

37:09 Learning to confidently say no prevents overwhelm.


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