Episode #132: Alcohol & Blue Light: How to Reset & Optimize Sleep & Performance

My guest this week is James Swanwick, Founder and CEO of Swanwick Sleep and Alcohol Free Lifestyle. 

In this episode, James and I discuss some of the key tools he has implemented into his life and his high performance clients to optimize sleep, productivity, and overall well being–starting with addressing alcohol and blue light exposure. Do you struggle with mental clarity, energy, motivation, or general mood irregularities? Are you confused about the effects of blue light or when you need to reduce blue light exposure? Could alcohol be inhibiting your sleep, energy, or success potential?

As this episode airs at the start of the new year, it is a great time to do a mental and/or physical reset, and the tips James shares are going to get you there faster! Many of us also look to various forms of detox in January, so whether it's detoxing from alcohol, sugar, social media, or any habit you want to nix, we discuss practical, achievable strategies that can be applied to any area of your life that you want to improve. Plus, we talk about how to navigate social pressures when trying to be healthier or live an alcohol free lifestyle, and his awesome Swannies and product line; stylish blue blockers (and when to use specific colored lenses), best type of night lights, healthier light bulbs, and how to use your devices at night without compromising your sleep onset or quality.  

Learn more about James, his program and product line here and use code NAT10 for 10% off. 

GUEST BIO

James Swanwick is an Australian-American investor, sleep expert, stop-drinking expert, and former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN. He is the founder of Swanwick Sleep, which produces blue-light blocking glasses, "Swannies" - currently used by more than 200,000 professional athletes, business owners, and wellness enthusiasts wanting to reduce eye strain and sleep better; and the founder of Alcohol Free Lifestyle, which has now helped more than 100,000 high achievers reduce or stop alcohol. 

His sleep and alcohol expertise has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes and Entrepreneur magazines, Psychology Today and Harvard Business Review. He is the host of the podcast, "Alcohol Free Lifestyle" and author of books "The 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge" and "Sleep on Demand". Forbes listed James as one of 25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch.

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SPONSORS

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EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

[05:45] What are Swannies and who is James Swanwick?..

[07:50] Alcohol and its effects on health, sleep and life..

[17:30[ How focusing on short term goals can lead you to long term goals…

[19:30] What is a simple first step to breaking the habit of drinking?..

[23:30] How does James support his clients on their alcohol free journey?..

[29:00] The effect of alcohol on sleep..

[31:00] Things to avoid within three hours of sleep…

[34:30] Nat and James try on their Swannies…

[37:35] Nightlight ideas…

[40:40] Swannies for kids..

[42:50] Blue light during the day. Is it okay?..

[49:00] Are there any health benefits to alcohol?..


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Disclaimer: This podcast and the information presented are for informational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Before making any changes to your nutrition or supplementation please check with your physician or health provider.