The Sleep Solution: Dr Keri Chiappino of New Beginnings Wellness & Braincore Clinic On How Good Sleep Will Lead To a Healthier, Happier Life
An Interview With Shawna Robins
Enhanced Cognitive Function. If you can’t sleep, you can’t think! We have all experienced this! A night with poor sleep can severely impact your brain’s ability to process information! Better sleep leads to improved memory, sharper focus, and clearer thinking, which can boost your productivity and decision-making skills. Whether you are a student trying to perform well on an exam or a corporate executive delivering a presentation, poor sleep will lead to a decrease in your cognitive function and those struggles can be far reaching!
In today’s fast-paced world, sleep often takes a backseat to our busy schedules and endless to-do lists. However, quality sleep is crucial for our overall health and happiness. How can we prioritize sleep to improve our well-being and lead a more fulfilling life? As part of this interview series, we had the pleasure to interview Dr. Keri Chiappino.
Dr. Keri Chiappino is a chiropractic neurologist and board-certified neurofeedback expert, with nearly three decades of experience under her belt. As the founder of New Beginnings Wellness and Braincore Clinic in Smithtown Dr. Chiappino is dedicated to using holistic approaches to help her patients bring balance to the brain and body. She specializes in treating many conditions including insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, and other neurological disorders. Beyond her professional life, she’s also an 11-year breast cancer survivor and proud mother of two.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to ‘get to know you’. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your backstory?
Of course! I am a chiropractic neurologist, neurofeedback practitioner, breast cancer “thriver” and mother of two. My passion lies in helping patients achieve their health goals through non-invasive methods, enabling them and their families to thrive!
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to your particular career path?
Back in my college days, I spent weekends working as a waitress, but everything changed after a slip and fall incident. The doctors I consulted with only offered medications that dulled the pain without actually solving the problem. They even recommended I quit waitressing, but at 20 years old, that wasn’t an option I was ready to consider. That’s when I decided to try chiropractic care. Amazingly, after just three sessions, I was back at work, completely pain-free. This experience inspired me to shift my career path from pre-med to pre-chiropractic.
Years later, as a chiropractor specializing in neurology, I learned about a friend who was using neurofeedback to support her son with autism-like behaviors. The improvements were remarkable, and after seeing the impact, I knew I had to pursue board certification in neurofeedback. Today, I’m dedicated to bringing this powerful therapy to my community, helping both children and adults who could benefit from its effects.
Can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority in the sleep and wellness fields? In your opinion, what is your unique contribution to the world of wellness?
I work with many patients who struggle with sleep and my unique approach blends functional neurology, chiropractic care, and neurofeedback. My focus is on examining the individual as a whole, with particular attention to the central nervous system, which governs every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. By integrating the body’s signals with detailed insights from brain mapping, I gain a comprehensive understanding of each person’s unique challenges.
What sets me apart is this holistic approach — addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes by strengthening the mind-body connection. This allows me to offer solutions that are not only effective but truly transformative, helping individuals achieve better sleep, enhanced well-being, and a more balanced life.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
My favorite life quote is “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
This perspective is key to personal growth. Healing isn’t a straight path — it’s full of ups and downs. By embracing the journey and practicing patience, you can remain strong even when progress feels slow. I love providing practical tools to help you stay resilient and supported every step of the way!
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Can you share an impactful case study or example from your experience where improving someone’s sleep significantly transformed their overall health and well-being?
Absolutely, I can share a particularly impactful case that highlights the profound connection between sleep and overall health.
Sarah, a 45-year-old working professional, came to my practice struggling with chronic insomnia. She had been battling sleepless nights for years, which had gradually taken a toll on her health. She reported constant fatigue, difficulty concentrating at work, frequent mood swings, and a growing sense of anxiety. Despite trying various sleep aids and relaxation techniques, nothing seemed to provide lasting relief.
During our initial consultation, it became clear that her sleep issues were deeply intertwined with stress from her demanding job, as well as unresolved anxiety. We decided to take a comprehensive approach by integrating neurofeedback and BrainTap into her treatment plan.
Neurofeedback was used to help train her brain to achieve the necessary brainwave states for restful sleep. Over time, she began to experience a shift — falling asleep more easily and staying asleep throughout the night. This not only improved her sleep quality but also helped regulate her mood and reduce her anxiety.
BrainTap was introduced to reinforce these positive changes. By combining light and sound therapy with guided meditation, BrainTap helped Sarah relax more deeply, preparing her mind and body for sleep. She used it daily, finding it particularly helpful after stressful days.
The Transformation:
Within a few months Sarah’s sleep improved dramatically. She went from struggling to get even a few hours of sleep to enjoying a full, restful night’s sleep consistently. The changes in her overall health were remarkable. Her energy levels increased, allowing her to be more productive and focused at work. The anxiety that once felt overwhelming became much more manageable, and her mood stabilized.
One of the most significant transformations was in her outlook on life. With better sleep, she felt more positive and resilient, capable of handling the challenges that came her way. Sarah even noticed improvements in her physical health, including reduced tension headaches and less frequent colds, which she attributed to her enhanced sleep and overall well-being.
What are some of the most surprising findings from your research or clinical practice about how sleep affects different aspects of our lives?
Some of the most surprising findings from my clinical practice regarding how sleep affects various aspects of our lives have truly underscored the profound and far-reaching impact of sleep on overall health and well-being. Here are a few key insights:
1. Sleep and Emotional Regulation
One of the most striking discoveries is how significantly sleep influences emotional stability. I’ve observed that patients who struggle with sleep often experience heightened levels of anxiety, irritability, and even symptoms of depression. What’s surprising is how quickly their mood can improve with better sleep hygiene. In some cases, patients who were previously on medications for anxiety or depression were able to reduce or even eliminate their need for these medications simply by improving their sleep patterns through neurofeedback and other sleep-supportive technologies.
2. Sleep and Cognitive Function
It’s well-known that sleep affects cognitive function, but what’s surprising is the extent to which even mild sleep disturbances can impact tasks like decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. I’ve seen patients, particularly those in high-stress jobs, report significant improvements in their work performance after focusing on better sleep. Even those who considered themselves “functional” on limited sleep found that their cognitive clarity and productivity were dramatically better with just an additional hour or two of quality sleep.
3. Sleep and Physical Health
The relationship between sleep and physical health is another area where surprising findings have emerged. For instance, I’ve observed that sleep plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain conditions. Patients with conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic back pain often report a reduction in pain levels after improving their sleep. This is likely due to sleep’s role in reducing inflammation and allowing the body to repair itself more effectively.
4. Sleep and Immune Function
Perhaps one of the most surprising findings is how directly sleep affects the immune system. I’ve had patients who frequently caught colds or struggled with other immune-related issues see marked improvements in their overall health after committing to better sleep hygiene. It’s fascinating to see how something as simple as regular, restorative sleep can strengthen the body’s defenses against illness.
5. Sleep and Weight Management
Many patients are surprised to learn how much their sleep affects their weight. Poor sleep can disrupt the balance of hunger hormones, leading to increased appetite and cravings, particularly for high-calorie, sugary foods. I’ve seen patients struggle with weight loss despite diet and exercise improvements, only to see significant progress after addressing sleep issues. The connection between sleep and weight management is more profound than many realize.
6. Sleep and Athletic Performance
For athletes and active individuals, the impact of sleep on performance is particularly surprising. I’ve worked with athletes who, after improving their sleep, reported not only better physical endurance but also faster recovery times and improved reaction speeds. Sleep seems to be an overlooked but critical component of athletic success.
These findings have profoundly shaped my approach to treating sleep issues and have emphasized the critical role that sleep plays in nearly every aspect of our lives — from emotional and cognitive health to physical well-being and beyond. It’s truly remarkable how something as fundamental as sleep can have such wide-ranging effects on our daily functioning and long-term health.
Can you tell us about a time when you personally experienced the profound effects of poor sleep and what you did to overcome it?
As a wellness practitioner, you might assume that I’m immune to the effects of stress, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve experienced periods where sleep was incredibly elusive. In 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and getting a good night’s sleep became a significant challenge. Neurofeedback played a crucial role in improving my sleep and helping me navigate the emotional challenges that accompanied my illness. Later, in 2019, I discovered BrainTap, which was a lifesaver during another particularly stressful time in my life. The combination of neurofeedback and BrainTap not only improved my sleep but also helped me maintain my well-being during that challenging period.
Ok. Here is the main question of our discussion. Can you please share “5 Ways That Better Sleep Will Improve Your Life”? If you can, kindly share a story or example for each.
1. Enhanced Cognitive Function
If you can’t sleep, you can’t think! We have all experienced this! A night with poor sleep can severely impact your brain’s ability to process information! Better sleep leads to improved memory, sharper focus, and clearer thinking, which can boost your productivity and decision-making skills. Whether you are a student trying to perform well on an exam or a corporate executive delivering a presentation, poor sleep will lead to a decrease in your cognitive function and those struggles can be far reaching!
A study published in the journal Sleep in 2003 investigated the effects of sleep deprivation on various aspects of cognitive performance, including attention, working memory, and decision-making. The study found that even partial sleep deprivation (e.g., sleeping only 4–6 hours per night) led to significant impairments in cognitive function, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistent and sufficient sleep for optimal mental performance.
2. Improved Mood and Emotional Stability
We have a mental health crisis in this country affecting children and adults alike. Sleep is a huge factor that can support positive moods. Often, the quality of sleep may be underrated. Adequate sleep helps regulate emotions, reducing irritability, stress, and the likelihood of mood swings, leading to a more balanced emotional state. Feeling good and having a positive outlook is dependent on your brain chemistry!
A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that individuals who were sleep-deprived experienced increased negative emotions, such as anger, frustration, and sadness. In contrast, those who had adequate sleep reported greater emotional stability and were better able to cope with stress. The study also noted that sleep quality is directly linked to the functioning of the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions. When sleep is compromised, the amygdala becomes more reactive, leading to heightened emotional responses. Adequate sleep helps keep the amygdala in check, promoting emotional balance and reducing the risk of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
This connection between sleep and emotional regulation highlights the importance of prioritizing good sleep hygiene for maintaining mental health and well-being.
3. Reduce your risk factors of Alzheimer’s
A groundbreaking study published in Science in 2013 by Maiken Nedergaard and colleagues at the University of Rochester found that during sleep, the brain’s glymphatic system becomes more active, clearing out amyloid-beta, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study showed that sleep facilitates the removal of amyloid-beta from the brain, suggesting that good sleep could reduce the buildup of this protein and, consequently, the risk of Alzheimer’s.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Neurology in 2018 tracked older adults over several years and found that those who reported poor sleep quality or short sleep duration were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers concluded that disrupted sleep may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s by allowing the accumulation of amyloid plaques.
4. Support your Immune System
Keeping a healthy immune system is so important. Approximately 7–10% of the U.S. population has an autoimmune disease, affecting an estimated 24 to 50 million Americans (according to the NIH). Autoimmune diseases include conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis being among the most common. The prevalence has been rising in recent years, potentially due to environmental and lifestyle factors.
A landmark study published in Sleep in 2015 by Aric Prather and colleagues at the University of California, San Francisco, examined the relationship between sleep duration and susceptibility to the common cold. In this study, 164 participants were exposed to the rhinovirus (common cold virus). The researchers found that those who slept less than six hours per night were more than four times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who slept seven hours or more. This study demonstrates that adequate sleep strengthens the immune response, making individuals less susceptible to infections.
5. Supports Weight Management
Did you know good sleep habits help support your weight management?
A study in the The American Journal of Epidemiology (2006) followed over 68,000 women from the Nurses’ Health Study for 16 years and found that those who slept less than 5 hours per night had a 15% higher risk of becoming obese compared to those who slept 7–8 hours. The researchers concluded that short sleep duration is associated with a significant increase in the risk of weight gain and obesity over time.
What are some of the most memorable success stories you’ve encountered where individuals drastically improved their lives by changing their sleep habits?
Enhancing your sleep with neurofeedback and BrainTap can significantly improve your ability to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night. This approach leads to more restful, high-quality sleep. Even if you spend the “right” amount of time in bed, without reaching deep sleep patterns, you may still face health issues related to sleep dysregulation. Many of my patients have experienced notable improvements in their health, as well as in their academic and athletic performance, by optimizing their sleep.
How have advancements in sleep science and technology changed the way you approach sleep wellness, and do you have any personal anecdotes about these changes in practice?
Advancements in sleep science and technology, particularly in neurofeedback and BrainTap, have significantly transformed the way I approach sleep wellness in my practice. These tools have allowed me to offer more personalized and effective interventions for patients struggling with sleep issues.
Neurofeedback, for instance, has revolutionized how I help patients regulate their sleep patterns. By training the brain to achieve and maintain optimal brainwave states, neurofeedback enhances the brain’s ability to enter and sustain deep, restorative sleep. This technology has been particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or other sleep disturbances that prevent them from getting quality rest.
BrainTap, on the other hand, combines light and sound therapy with guided meditation to create a deeply relaxing experience that prepares the mind and body for sleep. It’s been an invaluable tool for patients who have difficulty winding down at the end of the day. The combination of these therapies helps to reset the circadian rhythm, reduce stress, and improve overall sleep quality.
*Personal Anecdotes:
I’ve seen firsthand how these advancements have made a difference in my patients’ lives. One patient, for example, had been struggling with chronic insomnia for years, trying everything from medication to lifestyle changes without success. After incorporating neurofeedback and BrainTap into her routine, she began to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night. Not only did her sleep improve, but she also reported feeling more energized and focused during the day, which positively impacted her work and personal life.
Another patient, a student-athlete, was facing challenges with both academic performance and sports due to poor sleep. With the help of these technologies, we were able to enhance his sleep quality, which in turn improved his cognitive function and physical endurance. His grades improved, and he performed better on the field, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of good sleep hygiene supported by advanced technology.
These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of integrating cutting-edge sleep science and technology into holistic health practices. By doing so, I can offer my patients more than just temporary solutions; I can help them achieve lasting improvements in their overall well-being.
Wonderful. We are nearly done. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Dr. Joe Kamiya is known for his contributions in the field of neuroscience, particularly for his pioneering work in neurofeedback. His research significantly advanced our understanding of brainwave control and biofeedback. Although he passed away in 2014, his legacy lives on in the many ways his work continues to influence and improve therapeutic practices. If I had the opportunity, I would have loved to have met him.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
My website is www.newbeginningswellness.com, you can read my articles there or book an appointment if you in Smithtown NY or surrounding areas.
My Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/drkerichiappino/
My YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@NewBeginningsWellnessBrainCore
My Facebook is: https://www.facebook.com/NewBeginningsWell
My Tik Tok is: https://www.tiktok.com/@drkerichiappino?lang=en
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About the Interviewer: Shawna Robins is an international best-selling author of two books — Powerful Sleep — Rest Deeply, Repair Your Brain and Restore Your Life, and Irresistibly Healthy — Simple Strategies to Feel Vibrant, Alive, Healthy and Full of Energy Again. Shawna is the founder and CEO of Third Spark, an online wellness hub for women over 40 who want to reignite their sleep, reset healthier habits and respark their lives. Shawna is a sleep expert, hormone health expert, and a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC). She has been featured on many podcasts including Dr. Mindy Pelz’s “The Resetter Podcast” and in Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and The Huffington Post. A free download of her latest book can be found at www.thirdsparkhealth.com/powerful-sleep/ You can follow her on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
