The Sleep Is A Skill Podcast

201: The Circadian Roundtable: Sleep, Light & Glucose with Danielle Hamilton & Kristin Weitzel

Mar 24, 2025

Danielle Hamilton, a holistic nutritionist, and Kristin Weitzel, a health expert in nutrition and breathwork, join the conversation on sleep's intricate relationship with light and glucose levels. They discuss how modern lighting disrupts melatonin production and offer practical tips for creating a circadian-friendly home. Blood sugar's role in sleep quality is emphasized, along with the importance of meal timing. Listeners learn how stress affects glucose and the benefits of early meals for better health. Plus, thoughtful advice on navigating lifestyle changes with loved ones!

01:36:30

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Episode guests

Kristin Weitzel

Danielle Hamilton

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The detrimental effects of modern artificial light on our circadian rhythms necessitate actionable strategies for optimizing sleep quality through natural light exposure.

Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is crucial for improved sleep and overall well-being, with dietary choices playing a significant role in this process.

Creating a dark and quiet bedroom environment, supported by high-quality blackout solutions, is essential for promoting restful sleep and recovery.

Embracing personal agency and consistent routines around sleep, meals, and light exposure empowers individuals to make informed choices that enhance their health.

Deep dives

The Importance of Circadian Alignment

Living a circadian aligned lifestyle is emphasized as a fundamental aspect of overall wellness. The podcast discusses how our modern lifestyle often disconnects us from natural light patterns, leading to circadian dysregulation. This misalignment can cause various health issues, including sleep disturbances and metabolic imbalances. Understanding and correcting these patterns is framed as an actionable way to enhance sleep quality and general well-being.

Intro

5min

Balancing Blood Sugar and Light for Better Health

20min

Reimagining Morning Eating: Circadian Rhythms and Metabolic Health

3min

Aligning Meals with Circadian Rhythms

11min

Enhancing Sleep Quality

10min

The Impact of Evening Lighting on Circadian Health

2min

Optimizing Sleep with Smart Lighting and Blackout Solutions

4min

Sleep Strategies and Light Matters

18min

Revolutionizing Sleep: Tools for Better Rest

10min

10.

Enhancing Sleep and Wellness in Relationships

13min

😴 Why light is medicine—and also a potential toxin

😴 The importance of “bookending” your day (Mollie’s signature phone shut-down ritual)

😴 Danielle’s take on blood sugar drops at 3AM and what to do about it

😴 The sneaky ways stress spikes glucose (even from doing laundry!)

😴 How modern lighting wrecks melatonin—and what to do about it

😴 Easy, low-cost upgrades to make your home circadian-friendly

😴 Why eating earlier = better blood sugar, better sleep, better YOU

😴 The mindset piece: why “I’m just a night owl” might be the most dangerous label of all

😴 Tools we love: UBLOCKOUT, BiOptimizers’ Sleep Breakthrough, red light discs & more

😴 How to lovingly navigate these lifestyle upgrades with your partner, kids, or skeptical roommate

😴 And many more!

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GUEST LINKS:

Website: https://www.wellpower.life/

daniellehamiltonhealth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohacking.breath.cold

@daniellehamiltonhealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorwomanmode

facebook.com/daniellehamiltonhealth

DISCLAIMER:

The information contained in this podcast, our website, newsletter, and the resources available for download are not intended to be medical or health advice and shall not be understood or construed as such. The information contained on these platforms is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation.

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