Why Sleep?

About this Podcast 

Why Sleep? is the eighth episode in our PCS Caregiving podcast series where we discuss a variety of family caregiver issues and how helping professionals can better serve military families as they PCS from their role as a spouse, friend, partner, or loved one to a caregiver.

In episode seven, Lifestyle Choices and Our Health, we discussed what impacts health most such as environment, social and societal communities, health behaviors, genetics, and access. We continue in this new episode on the conversation of lifestyle choices and our health with an emphasis on sleep. Our behaviors and activities during the day, and even before bedtime, can have a major impact on our sleep. Our daily routines – what we eat and drink, the amount of physical activity we may get, the medications we take, and how we schedule our days – can significantly impact sleep quality. Listen as guest speaker, Andy Crocker, Extension Program Specialist in Gerontology and Health at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, breaks down why healthy sleeping habits are important and tips for an optimal sleep environment and a good night’s rest.

Guest Bio

Andrew Crocker, M.S. is an Extension Program Specialist in Gerontology and Health at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. His focus is to support education and outreach regarding the health and well-being of the aging population in the State of Texas. Andy’s main role is to support the County Extension Agents for Family and Community Health (FCH) in their outreach efforts to older adults, caregivers, and professionals who serve them. He is part of a national OneOp (MFLN) team of faculty from land-grant universities to provide professional development opportunities to military-helping professionals.

Host

Rachel Brauner, M.Ag., is an Extension Program Specialist in Military Programs at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Her focus is to enhance educational programming for military caregivers through OneOp (MFLN) initiative. Rachel works closely with military professionals across the nation in assessing caregiver needs and providing the necessary education and resources to alleviate the stress that comes with caring for individuals with special needs or wounded service members. Rachel is also responsible for providing prevention education for the Joint Base Substance Abuse Program at Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, Texas.