Skip to main content
Get Matched with a Provider

How Better Sleep Supports Better Mental Health

Mar 12, 2026
How Better Sleep Supports Better Mental Health

LifeStance psychiatrist Dr. Kenya Windley and psychologist and author Dr. Eugene Carroccia join us for a grounded, eye‑opening conversation about one of the most overlooked mental health tools: sleep.

Together, they explore why sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice and how deeply it influences emotional regulation, focus, mood, and overall well‑being. Dr. Windley shares her clinical perspective on the role sleep plays in conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD, while Dr. Carroccia breaks down research showing how even small increases in sleep duration can improve attention, learning, and day‑to‑day functioning.

The discussion also includes practical, realistic ways to help patients build sustainable sleep hygiene habits, from creating a consistent wind‑down routine to reducing screen time and understanding how melatonin and circadian rhythms work. Whether you’re a clinician, a parent, or someone trying to improve your own sleep, this conversation offers compassionate guidance you can start using today.

Join the conversation and learn how prioritizing rest can be a simple but powerful step toward better mental health.

Kenya Windley, MD

MEET THE GUEST

Kenya Windley, MD

Dr. Kenya Windley is a Psychiatrist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MD from The Brody School of Medicine at ECU and a BSBA and Master of Accounting from Kenan Flagler Business School at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Windley is interested in the whole person and recognizes that there are so many components that can affect a person’s quality of life and mental health. She takes time to listen to each of her patients to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives to make better decisions regarding the care she provides. It is Dr. Windley’s goal to meet people where they are and work together to get them where they need to be. Outside of work, Dr. Windley’s absolute favorite thing to do is eat, with reading fiction a close second! She enjoys trying new cuisines, but Asian food is her favorite. Outside of eating and reading, she enjoys volunteering in her community and advocating for the concerns of those who have mental health challenges.

View Kenya's Profile
Eugene Carroccia, Psy.D.

MEET THE GUEST

Eugene Carroccia, Psy.D.

Dr. Gene Carroccia is an experienced and compassionate Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been practicing since 2000. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware and Doctoral Degree from the Illinois School of Progressional Psychology, Chicago. He provides individualized psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, and adults who experience a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including depressive and anxiety disorders, difficulties with life stressors, grief, trauma, PTSD, child and teen behavioral difficulties, and has a specialized focus on ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults.

Dr. Carroccia works collaboratively with clients utilizing an integrated treatment approach that uses evidence-based interventions, including psychoeducation, skill-building, solution-focused techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). For child and teen concerns, he incorporates systemic work with families, as well as behavioral management strategies for those with ADHD and behavioral challenges. Dr. Carroccia brings decades of experience with an active, warm, and supportive therapeutic style. His goal is to help clients better understand their experiences, address their challenges, and move toward positive change with growth and clarity. He is the author of two books on children and adolescents with ADHD. For fun, he enjoys art, reading, movies, concerts, and traveling.

View Eugene's Profile

Related Podcasts

 Between Dream and Reality: Understanding Sleep Paralysis – Podcast
Psychiatry | Therapy

Between Dream and Reality: Understanding Sleep Paralysis – Podcast

Unearth the scary but crucially important world of sleep paralysis with LifeStance Health’s Regional Clinical Director, Angel Kramer. Delve into one of life’s fascinating and mystifying phenomena of sleep paralysis, known since the late 1700s and widely depicted in art and music. Angel provides insights into the common triggers of sleep paralysis and shares effective coping...
Listen To Episode
Feel Better. Think Brighter. Live Deeper.

Feel Better. Think Brighter. Live Deeper.

You’re not alone in figuring it all out. We’re diving into real struggles, surprising breakthroughs, and the small shifts that can change everything. Whether you're stuck in your head or striving for better days, this podcast is your weekly check-in — calm, clear, and truly useful.

Subscribe to our podcast at:

Related Services

Sleep Disorders Treatment

Sleep disorders, if left untreated, can amplify symptoms of anxiety and depression.
View Service

Related Conditions

Sleep Disorders

Getting the right amount of sleep is fundamental to mental health. Whether you're sleeping too much or too little, our providers can help.
View Treatment

Related Blogs

Managing Anxiety: 10 Evidence-Based Steps to Calm Your Mind
April 29, 2026

Managing Anxiety: 10 Evidence-Based Steps to Calm Your Mind

Read More