Sleep is My Waking Passion
Hosted by Dr. Alison Kole—a triple-boarded pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine physician, reformed chronic insomniac, devoted mom, and unapologetic sleep health creator—this hit podcast takes you on the real, unfiltered journey inside the science and soul of sleep. Each week, with wisdom forged from the trenches of night shifts and the chaos of motherhood, Alison sits down with top-tier experts and ordinary people with extraordinary sleep stories, unraveling how sleep shapes happiness, health, and destiny. If you want the 360° truth—the wins, the setbacks, the breakthroughs—about why every hour of sleep could be the most important hour of your life, this is the show that will change how you see your pillow forever. Sleep isn’t just her passion—it’s the key to waking up to your potential. Hit subscribe and transform your nights, days, and dreams.
Sleep is My Waking Passion
Surviving Sleep Deprivation: Science, Real Talk & Rescue Tactics with Dr. Rebecca Acabchuk & Vetern Firefighter Alan Pinsonneault
Is chronic sleep loss just part of “the grind”—or is it a crisis hiding in plain sight? Join Dr. Alison Kole as she sits down with neuroscientist and wellness expert Dr. Rebecca Acabchuk, plus veteran firefighter Alan Pinsonneault of the Holyoke Fire Department, for an eye-opening, actionable episode of “Sleep Is My Waking Passion” .
Discover:
- What sleep deprivation really looks like for frontline heroes and high-stress professionals, plus why it could be an invisible epidemic across America .
- “Tactical athletes” explained: how firefighters, police, medics, and military professionals manage sleep loss, and what civilians can learn from their battle-tested routines .
- Science-backed tips for recognizing and responding to serious fatigue—including why “listening to your body” and support from seasoned colleagues can literally save lives .
- Dr. Acabchuk’s practical, everyday hacks: mastering naps, the “sigh of relief” mindfulness practice, trigger points for self-check-ins, and how to set up safe, sleep-friendly spaces—even at work or on the road .
- Firefighter Alan’s in-the-trenches tricks: quick resets, portable sleep routines, and the importance of exercise and decompression for stamina and recovery .
- Research behind yoga nidra, NSDR (non-sleep deep rest), and progressive muscle relaxation—plus simple cues to cultivate safety and presence, for everyone from first responders to overstressed parents .
- The “WIN” mantra: What’s Important Now—an essential mental tool for resetting in moments of nighttime anxiety and racing thoughts .
Whether working 24-hour shifts, wrangling toddlers through sleepless nights, or just looking for no-nonsense ways to refill the tank, this episode is packed with candid stories, expert tips, and next-step strategies that anyone can use .
Want more?
- Learn about holistic workplace resilience at O2X, Dr. Acabchuk’s human performance company.
- Reach out to Becky and Alan for questions or mindfulness resources—links and contacts in the show notes.
Share this episode, subscribe for more expert-led sleep strategies, and join a fast-growing community reshaping what healthy, high-performance living really means—one better night’s sleep at a time .
