As we step into 2026, there's no better time to prioritize one of the most fundamental pillars of health: quality sleep. Lauri Leadley, founder of Valley Sleep Center, has dedicated over three decades to helping people understand that sleep isn't a luxury and how it is essential medicine for the body and mind.
Leadley's philosophy starts with recognizing that good sleep begins long before your head hits the pillow. "Anything done with intention and consistency is bound for a great outcome," she explains. Her practical advice centers on reserving your bed strictly for sleep or healing. This means no working under the covers, no endless scrolling through social media, and no letting your bedroom become a catch-all for unfolded laundry or clutter. When you treat your bedroom as a sanctuary (a space dedicated to tranquility and calm), you set the stage for truly restorative sleep.
Beyond bedroom boundaries, Leadley emphasizes timing your evening routine thoughtfully. Avoid heavy meals within two hours of bedtime to prevent digestive discomfort and reflux. While that nightcap might seem relaxing, alcohol's sedative effects wear off quickly, often leaving you wide awake at 1 a.m. Similarly, sugary snacks and caffeine have no place in your pre-sleep routine.
Leadley's expertise comes from a deeply personal place. Her journey into sleep medicine began over 30 years ago as a respiratory therapist when she encountered her first patient with sleep apnea. The transformative moment came when a patient told her, "I've never dreamt before, but last night I finally did." That single statement redirected her entire career path.
But it was her own health battles—including multiple cancer diagnoses starting from a young age—that truly cemented her understanding of sleep's healing power. "Sleep is the only time your body has to heal, regenerate, and form memories," she reflects. After her second cancer diagnosis, when insomnia interfered with her recovery, she experienced firsthand how inadequate sleep sabotages healing. Leadley took those struggles and transformed them into purpose.
Today, running Valley Sleep Center brings Leadley daily fulfillment. "Every. Single. Day. It's all worth it," she says with conviction. Whether it's a patient finally experiencing dreams or simply feeling rested for the first time in years, these moments fuel her passion. Even her grandchildren remind her why the work matters, grounding her on the busiest days.
Her advice for anyone seeking better sleep tonight? Start treating rest as the health cornerstone it is: equal to nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness. Create a sleep sanctuary with comfortable sheets, a quality mattress, and a cool, dark, quiet environment. Try to wind down with a warm shower, light journaling, or meditation. If you're slightly hungry, reach for tart cherries rather than heavy snacks. And if you have a partner, don't underestimate the power of spooning.
"Go to bed with a clear mind and a peaceful heart, ready for a fresh new day," Leadley advises. In 2026, perhaps the most revolutionary act of self-care is simply choosing to rest well.
www.valleysleepcenter.com