The Exhausted Mom’s Guide to Anemia, Circadian Rhythms, and Polyphasic Sleep

Sarah hosts Nikko Kennedy on the Evolving Wellness podcast to discuss motherhood, preconception, and sleep, emphasizing how optimizing light and darkness can support polyphasic sleep and help mothers function despite frequent night wakings. Nikko argues modern expectations of consolidated 8-hour sleep and nighttime screen use worsen fatigue, while extended time in dim darkness (often 10–14 hours postpartum) can improve resilience, weight loss, and overall endocrine and metabolic health. They connect sleep to anemia, noting over 90% of new red blood cells come from recycled iron, with inflammation-regulated hepcidin limiting iron use regardless of supplementation; they highlight the roles of mitochondria, liver, spleen, and bone marrow and the need for nighttime darkness. They also touch on community/social cues, dad’s health and placental outcomes, pregnancy blood volume expansion, and mixed experiences with desiccated organ supplements.— Connect with Nikko:https://substack.com/@nikkokennedy?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pagehttps://www.instagram.com/brighterdays.darkernights/ YOUR COMPLETE SUMMER SUN GUIDE - Free Webinar: https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/webinar-your-summer-sun-guide or Scan the QR code at 01:58 _________Sponsored By:→ VivaRays | This episode is sponsored by VivaRays - VivaRays Blue - code YOGI https://vivarays.com/→ Troscriptions | For an exclusive offer, go to https://www.troscriptions.com/SARAHK for 10% off your first non subscription order. _________Timestamp:00:00 Coming Up00:29 Podcast Intro 03:27 Meet Nikko Kennedy06:04 Why Nikko Helps Moms13:52 Polyphasic Sleep Basics16:26 Postpartum Rest Strategy17:54 Sleep Is Social Screens22:22 Handling Pushback Privilege24:17 Jealousy Online25:44 Iron Recycling Basics28:06 Darkness Heals Mitochondria29:03 Enforced Darkness Protocols31:18 Sunlight for Postpartum Recovery35:17 Light and Breastfeeding Gains36:06 Motherhood Moment Break37:34 Practice Based Research39:31 Dad Health and Placenta41:22 Blood Volume Expansion42:23 Boring Basics Protocol42:47 Organ Supplements Debate——— This video is not medical advice & as a supporter to you and your health journey - I encourage you to monitor your labs and work with a professional!________________________________________Get all my free guides and product recommendations to get started on your journey!https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/all-free-resourcesCheck out all my courses to understand how to improve your mitochondrial health & experience long lasting health! (Use code PODCAST to save 10%) -  https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/coursesMy free product guide with all product recommendations and discount codes:https://www.canva.com/design/DAF7mlgZpJI/xVyE4tiQFEWJmh_Xwx8Kbw/view?utm_content=DAF7mlgZpJIFree Webinar on Light & Health (includes free light bulb guide) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/mycircadianapp-free-webinarGet Early Access to Podcast Episodes & my Seasonal Food Course + UVB+Red Light Therapy course for free -  https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahkleinerwellness/p/uvbred-light-protocol?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true