82: Why You Can't Sleep: The Surprising Truth with Nicholas Stewart

Sleep isn't just about rest. It regulates everything from metabolism to cognitive function, and when it's off, the entire body suffers. Yet for something so essential, many people struggle with it daily, caught in a cycle of stress, bad habits, and rigid expectations about what "good sleep" should look like.

In this episode, sleep expert Nick Stewart shares a counterintuitive approach: instead of obsessing over perfect sleep, focus on flexibility. He explains why rigid sleep schedules often backfire, how worrying about lost sleep makes it even harder to fall asleep, and why humans are uniquely prone to sleep struggles compared to other animals.

One of his most effective strategies? If you're lying awake and feeling frustrated, get up. Move to a different room, create a calm environment, and only return to bed when you're naturally drowsy. This simple shift has helped many people break free from years of insomnia.

We also discuss how modern burnout is one of the biggest drivers of sleep issues, why the way you structure your day matters more than your bedtime routine, and how early morning sunlight exposure can dramatically improve sleep quality. 

Stewart breaks down why most people overestimate their sleep needs, why education is the most powerful tool for improving sleep, and how small adjustments — like walking first thing in the morning or reframing sleep as a flexible process — can make a huge difference.

If you've struggled with sleep, whether it's falling asleep, staying asleep, or just waking up feeling rested, this conversation offers real, actionable strategies that go beyond the usual advice. Tune in to learn how to work with your body's natural rhythms, reduce sleep anxiety, and create a routine that actually works.

Learn more:

Primal Shift Podcast #14: Do THIS for Better Sleep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V72_fDrm_vI 

Learn why you might have trouble falling asleep: https://michaelkummer.com/health/cant-fall-asleep/ 

Learn how to sleep better and fall asleep quicker: https://michaelkummer.com/health/sleep-guide/ 

About Nicholas Stewart:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sleepfitness/

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin!

OneSkin's lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company's proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here.

Get 15% off with my discount code ONESKIN: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop 

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

01:13 - Welcoming Nick Stewart

01:50 - The impact of anxiety on sleep quality

05:58 - How rigid sleep rules make things worse

09:05 - The "no suffering in bed" rule

16:52 - Sleep cycles and seasonality

23:13 - Burnout, stress, and modern sleep problems

29:18 - How to actually sleep better

37:55 - Where to find Nick's book & final thoughts

Find me on social media for more health and wellness content:

• Website: https://michaelkummer.com/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/

• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/

[Medical Disclaimer]

The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health.

[Affiliate Disclaimer]

I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

#PrimalShift #OptimalHealth #AncestralLiving #SleepFitness #Healht&Wellness #ImproveSleepQuality #SleepBetter