Why Sleep Is Your Secret Weapon for Recovery and Wellness
May 19, 2025
If you've ever told yourself that a drink helps you sleep better, you're not alone. I used to believe that too. But after sitting down with sleep expert Mollie Eastman, the creator of Sleep Is A Skill, my entire perspective on alcohol, sleep, and wellness changed.
In this episode of Sober Fit Life, Mollie broke down one of the biggest myths: alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, but it wrecks your sleep quality — and the effects can last for days.
Mollie shared that alcohol causes sedation, not true sleep. And while you might "pass out" faster, what’s happening inside your body tells a different story. Alcohol raises your heart rate, spikes your body temperature, disrupts REM sleep (the critical "emotional healing" stage), and tanks your heart rate variability (HRV), a key marker of recovery and nervous system health.
When we talked about the long-term consequences, it really hit home for me. Poor sleep isn't just about feeling groggy. It's about metabolic issues, mood swings, increased cravings, and long-term health risks like heart disease and cognitive decline. And if you're in midlife like I am, the impact gets even more serious as we age.
Mollie taught me that real recovery starts during the day — not just at night. Her advice?
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Get sunlight first thing in the morning to anchor your circadian rhythm.
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Wake up at the same time every day (even on weekends!) to build consistency.
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Create a dark, low-light environment at night, using tools like red lights, Himalayan salt lamps, or incandescent bulbs.
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Pay attention to meal timing, stress management, and nighttime routines to naturally wind down.
We also talked about how wearable tech like the Oura Ring, WHOOP, and even apps like MyCircadianClock can help you see the story of your sleep — and how alcohol shows up in your data whether you feel it or not.
One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation? Mollie shared that she eventually gave up alcohol completely. After seeing the hard science on how even "moderate" drinking sabotaged her health goals, it just didn't make sense to keep it in her life.
And honestly, I feel the same way.
Today, I protect and prioritize my sleep like the secret weapon it is. It's not just about looking better or having more energy — it's about giving my body the best chance to recover, grow stronger, and stay vibrant for years to come.
If you're curious about how to support your sleep (especially if you're cutting back on alcohol or living alcohol-free), I cannot recommend Mollie's work enough.
Resources from this episode:
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Learn more at Sleep Is A Skill
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Take the free Sleep Assessment
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Subscribe to Mollie's weekly Sleep Newsletter
Remember: Sleep isn't just something that "happens." It's a skill. And it's one of the most powerful tools we have for recovery, resilience, and true wellness. 🌟
Stay curious. Stay committed. Stay sober fit.
Listen to Sober Fit Life here 🎧
Want to learn more about the tools I offer? 👇
