Monsters in the Mind: Sleep, Anxiety, and the Psychology of Fear w/ Dr. Brian A. Sharpless | Ep. 314

What if the monsters that haunt us at night aren’t supernatural at all, but reflections of our own minds? In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Brian A. Sharpless to explore the fascinating intersection of sleep, anxiety, and fear.With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Sharpless has studied both common and rare sleep disorders—from insomnia and night terrors to the little-known “exploding head syndrome.” Drawing from his book Monsters on the Couch and years of research, he shares how anxiety, trauma, and unresolved inner conflict often shape what keeps us awake at night.Together, they unpack how sleep disturbances affect not just our nights but also our long-term health and aging. You’ll also hear why understanding fear and the unconscious mind can help us move toward better sleep, stronger mental health, and ultimately, aging well.Learn more about Dr. Sharpless at https://briansharpless.com/BUY Monsters on the Couch and other books by Dr. Brian A. Sharpless on Amazon and support this podcast:Monsters on the Couch: The Real Psychological Disorders Behind Your Favorite Horror Movies https://amzn.to/4n3yYpjSleep Paralysis: Historical, Psychological, and Medical Perspectives https://amzn.to/41rWYdsUnusual and Rare Psychological Disorders: A Handbook for Clinical Practice and Research https://amzn.to/46beXYdPsychodynamic Therapy Techniques: A Guide to Expressive and Supportive Interventions https://amzn.to/3JvGsTM

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