Influencers are here to stay. The term has technically existed since the 1600s, but “influencer” was not a viable job option at the tail end of the Renaissance era. Today, though, an influencer can be broadly understood as a person with the power to impact the beliefs of many individuals on one or more social media platforms—and the ability to spin this influence into a lucrative sponcon deal (or several). It’s even recently surpassed “astronaut” as one of the most desirable career paths for young children.
One area in which influencers flourish is in the health and wellness space. On the plus side, this can help make certain aspects of health more accessible. On the not-so-plus side, not everyone knows what they’re talking about, even if they have millions of followers—and this can be very, very dangerous.
But for every quack-with-a-platform, there are still people who dispense sound, knowledgable advice. Inexplicably, these people tend to have fewer followers. For this reason we’ve done a lot of research to find the best-but-not-huge-yet health and wellness accounts on Instagram. Behold: 30 health and wellness influencers—wellfluencers, if you will—you may not know about yet, but should. We wish we could keep them to ourselves, but won’t, because anyone reading this deserves to see them. Also, we want credit for being OG fans.
How Did We Make Our Picks?
Lots of time on our phones! (For work, naturally.) We knew we wanted this list to feature hidden gems, so we narrowed in on accounts with 1,000 to 50,000 followers on Instagram. And we started with Instagram—although influencers certainly thrive on other platforms—because, right now, it’s still where you’re most likely to find what most of us think of as the stereotypical influencer. Once we narrowed in on top picks, we cross-referenced with their other social channels.
From there, we scoured our Discover pages, sourced recommendations from in-the-know friends, and scrolled until there was nothing left. We considered more than 100 people and ultimately picked 30 as the best of the best.
How Did We “Test” Influencers?
We are a product testing and reviewing site, so we know our way around a testing metric. Obviously, judging the quality of a real person distilling their life, experience, and beliefs on a social media platform is a lot different from judging the quality of, say, a yoga block or mushroom coffee.
Still, we figured out a pretty great way to get a read on the accounts. We developed a testing rubric that identified certain qualities the best health and wellness influencers have and sorted them into categories. Each category had a maximum potential number of points, depending on how well they were fulfilled. For all contenders, we looked through their Instagram content from the past year (plus their personal websites and other social channels when applicable).
While parsing the content, we evaluated them based on the following criteria:
Credentials and experience: Our first and possibly most important question basically boiled down to: “What gives these people the right?” (To give advice.) We dove into everyone’s background to check if they have any certifications and degrees and if they aligned with the information on their pages. No one on this list had to have an MD or PhD—but they got disqualified if they gave advice as if they do. For anyone claiming to be a personal trainer, for example, we checked to make sure they had a certification from an organization like NASM or ACE. People giving nutrition advice had to be a registered dietitian (RDN), certified nutritionist, or trained chef. And people giving medical advice—well, those ones actually did have to have some kind of medical training.
Recommendations: Even if someone has the best degrees and qualifications in their field, it’s not worth much—well, as an influencer—if they don’t present information well. We evaluated content for clarity and accuracy, with an emphasis on the “accuracy” portion. All recommendations needed to be backed by research (ideally with sources cited).
It was also important that these people did not define their content as “advice”—giving someone a follow is not the same thing as establishing a professional relationship, and we wanted to make sure that everyone on this list kept things professional.
Conflicts of interest: #Sponcon, #ad, and #sponsored are common influencer tropes for a reason. And we’re not against it! We just checked to make sure that all ads and brand partnerships, if present, were clearly marked and made sense with the account’s overall vibe. We also made sure that the account wasn’t overrun with ads. A few here and there is great; one every other post is not.
Accessibility: This list doesn’t exist just to feature people who know what they’re doing. It’s also to ensure that all kinds of people can learn about health and wellness. To start, we checked for captions on videos (which makes it easier for people with hearing loss to access content) and alt text (which makes it easier for people with visual impairments to access content via screen readers).
We also checked for the ease with which people could try each suggestion. People got bonus points for including modifications on exercises and including affordable ingredients in recipes rather than, say, several kinds of $100-an-ounce wellness dusts.
Actionability: Ideally, following a health and wellness influencer will enrich your life and make it easier to try healthier things. This is subjective—different things motivate different people—but we evaluated content to see how easy it is to integrate into everyday life.
Non-wellness content: No one exists in a vacuum! No influencer got dinged for getting real in captions or posting content that doesn’t quite fit into the “wellness” bucket”—people use their platforms in different ways. We did, however, eliminate people for sharing harmful content. (Think: Anti-vax, medical advice without basis, or ableist, fatphobic, or generally vile beliefs.)
How Did We Decide On Categories?
The categories below are based on Ness’ Wellness Framework, or means by which we sort healthy actions: Move (fitness), physical care (medical stuff), mental care (mental health), nutrition (stuff you eat), and rest (sleep).
And, yes, some people fit into multiple categories. A sleep medicine specialist could just as easily fall into the “medical” category as the “sleep” one, just as an eating disorder recovery coach may easily fall into both “nutrition” and “mental health” categories. We placed people in the sections we felt best suited their content.
Move Influencers
Victoria Sekely | @trainsmartrunstrong
What’s her deal? Get outside and run! Also, start strength training if you don’t want to burn out
Follow if: You want to run long distances, but your hip flexors (or knee, ankles, or shins) say NO!
Dr. Victoria Sekely has an impressive resume. She has a doctorate in physical therapy and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), certified track and field coach (USATF Level 1), and RRCA certified run coach. All of this makes her qualified to mete out general advice on avoiding injury while running by utilizing strength training. She doesn’t have to present her info in a funny, engaging, non-intimidating way, but she does. Looking through her page, you may just find yourself thinking, “Hey, I should be doing Copenhagen plank modifications to target my adductor muscles and increase my hip stability while running!”
“Wellness means finding a balance between an active lifestyle and purposeful recovery,” she tells us. “I believe you need to have both movement and rest in equilibrium in order to feel your best.”
Kira West | @kwest
What’s her deal? Running, travel, wellness, repeat
Follow for: Wellness—for everyone
Kira West is a self-described creator, athlete, and entrepreneur. On her Instagram page, you’ll find her rocking athleisure, sharing travel and wellness tips, and running—a lot; she refers to it as her “sanity miles.” According to her website, her passion for her wellness platform came with the realization she had as she started to get more into wellness, that a “lack of support systems and inherent racism” can worsen and perpetuate health challenges for marginalized groups. She works to change that with her own page and her company ACTIV-ISM, which aims to “educate, empower, and uplift” people who might not otherwise feel seen in the fitness industry.
“Wellness for me is about filling up my cup,” West tells us. “That looks different for all of us, which is a part of the fun.”
Andrew Mcgonigle | @doctoryogi
What’s his deal? Yoga, but make it anatomically correct
Follow if: You want to know how—and why—yoga works
Ever wondered what exactly is happening in your body when you practice yoga? Andrew Mcgonigle knows. He trained as a medical doctor in the UK, then left the field and eventually became a yoga teacher. (His exact training is in Ashtanga yoga.) His page focuses on yoga through the lens of anatomy (or, perhaps, anatomy through the lens of yoga). On it, you’ll find detailed photo and video guides for different poses—all of which showcase modifications using chairs or other props—and animations showing how certain parts of the body like rotator cuffs work.
“Wellness is about being able to live each day to the fullest,” he tells us.
Evelynn Escobar | @evemeetswest
What’s her deal? Hiking for people who aren’t straight white dudes
Follow if: You want one of your little inside-phone friends to motivate you to get outside
Hiking, to the uninitiated, may seem intimidating. There’s the gear, the planning, the whole being-on-a-mountain-in-the-middle-of-nowhere thing. (And what’s all this about bear spray?) It can also be an oppressively homogenous, seemingly white-male-dominated space. Evelynn Escobar is on a mission to make hiking more accessible and inclusive with Hike Clerb, an LA-based intersectional women’s hike club that centers BIPOC. Escobar’s personal Instagram shows clips from Hike Clerb’s excursions, in locations including Topanga State Park, Gillette Ranch, and Ojai. All in all, scrolling through her page will serve as a phone-based inspiration to put your phone in your leggings’ pocket, apply some sunscreen, and head outside.
Brandy Talamoni | @brandytherunner
What’s her deal? Running is for everyone—and you don’t have to look a certain way to do it
Follow if: You want to get better at running with someone who’s training along with you
Brandy Talamoni, a mom of two and army vet, doesn’t have professional running qualifications. (Nor does she claim any.) But she’s someone who loves running, and her posts about the ebbs and flows of running marathons, maintaining proper fuel while reconciling with body image issues, and the all-important pre-run BMs. She’s a great follow whether you’re training for a race, looking to train for one, or are just curious about getting started.
Allison Denney | @rebelmassagetherapist
What’s her deal? Massage therapy with an anatomy lesson on the side
Follow if: You know you want a massage—you’re just not quite sure why
Massage therapist Allison Denney knows bodies inside and out. Just check out her videos, where she paints bones, muscles, and fascia on clients to demonstrate how they work and why certain massage techniques help, to get the full picture (literally). Scrolling through her page, you’ll learn more about your body than you did before. Just be warned—you’re also really going to want a massage. (Denney is also an expert reviewer for this site.)
“I see wellness as a balance,” Denney tells us. “ In our physical, emotional and spiritual selves: finding more when there is not enough, finding less when there is too much, finding energy when there is a void, finding calm when there is chaos.”
Rae Reichlin | @rae.wholifts
What’s her deal? Getting stronger, not smaller
Follow if: You want to start lifting but aren’t sure where to start
At the gym, lots of women avoid the sections with big weights. (There’s some feminist theory out there about how we teach girls to be smaller, which could make that section of the gym less desirable. But no need to get into all that right now.) ACE-certified trainer and strength coach Rae Reichlin is on a mission to change that with Ladies Who Lift, a strength training program focused on “helping all bodies feel confident and strong.” Rae’s page focuses on workout tips (like reasons why deadlifts could be hurting your back and remembering to breathe during squats) general gym hype-ups (like why it’s totally normal to ask to “work in” to a piece of equipment another person is using), and reminders of what it takes to maintain a fun, sustainable workout routine.
“When you start to build true strength, you start to build true respect and confidence in yourself and your body,” Rae tells us. “And I believe that feeling strong and confident in your body and your abilities has the power to change your entire relationship with yourself, and potentially your life.”
Kara Duval | @karaduvalpilates
What’s her deal? Pilates for the people
Follow if: You don’t know what a “Pilates reformer” is, and at this point, you’re too afraid to ask
Pilates instructor Kara Duval is the creator of workout platform Range. She describes its classes as “sustainable movement designed to keep you moving for decades to come” and eschews the commonly held notion that Pilates is for people with more disposable income than they know what to do with. (One post discusses the $75-a-pop Pilates class made infamous by a New York Times profile and why it bummed her out). Her page lives up to that message: Posts showcase the classes available on her platform, as well as quick guided stretches and ways to use common household items—like stairs—to add more movement to the day. She also has a cute dog, River, who’s frequently featured on the page. So: come for the Pilates, stay for the puppy pics.
Anne | @therunningcritic
What’s her deal? Staying entertained while running long distances
Follow if: You want to get better at running. And picking out TV shows
Anne is a Canada-based marathon runner, Saucony ambassador, and running coach. When training takes her to her treadmill, she uses the long miles on the hamster wheel to catch up on TV—and post her reviews. On Anne’s page, you’ll find insights on some of the best and worst shows to watch while training for a marathon, plus insights on getting back into running after recovering from COVID and how to effectively warm up on a treadmill.
Physical Care Influencers
Maddie and Patrick | @doctormeetsdietitian
What’s their deal: A husband-wife duo that wants you to get healthier
Follow for: Solid medical and nutritional credentials with strong Kiel James Patrick vibes
Maddie and Patrick are the husband and wife team behind the account @doctormeetsdietitian. He’s the MD; she’s the RDN. Together, they serve up tips on eating and living well, from what the real truth is about refined sugar to foods that benefit the heart and brain. It’s not just surface-level advice, either—almost all posts list medical journals and trusted medical sources as extra backup for their credentials. It’s enough to make our cold, hard, citation-needed hearts melt.
As a bonus, the couple lives in Vermont and frequently post photos of its charming, weather-worn scenery. If you ever found yourself following New England prep-themed Tumblr blogs in the prior decade, something about their aesthetic will speak to you.
Naika Apeakorang | @drnaika
What’s her deal? Wellness for the whole body and soul
Follow if: You want to take a holistic approach to health
Dr. Naika Apeakorang is a naturopath, acupuncturist, and all-around wellness practitioner. (She’s also an expert reviewer for us, so we can vouch that she definitely knows her stuff.) She uses Instagram to highlight small things you can do to feel a little better, like alternate nostril pranayama breathing and DIY herbal vapor rubs.
“To me, wellness is about living in integrity with your mind, body, and spirit,” she tells us. “It’s about making the commitment every day to give yourself what you truly need to feel as aligned, balanced, and grounded as possible. Wellness is about caring for yourself with a deep sense of intention and dedication.”
Jordan Brown (dentist) @drjordanbrown
What’s his deal? Don’t you dare get off-brand “basement” veneers
Follow if: You’ve ever considered off-brand “basement” veneers
Teeth! They’re important. Dentist Jordan Brown gets into it (with a bit more nuance, which we assume comes from years of medical training) on his page. It features Target shopping lists (which features Crest 3D-White and Sensodyne toothpaste and Therabreath mouthwash), the ills of charcoal toothpaste, and why you should never, ever go to an unlicensed provider for veneers (or any dental work), no matter how cheap it is.
Kim Shao | @dr.skinshao
What’s her deal? A dermatologist bringing peer-reviewed studies to your feed
Follow if: You want to read scientific skincare studies. But, like, the SparkNotes version
There’s a lot of skincare advice on Instagram. And some of it is even pretty good! But few people delve into the science behind it like Dr. Kim Shao, a dermatology resident who uses her platform to highlight studies on certain topics—like, for example, why a lot of acne advice on Instagram isn’t great. Shockingly (or not), it’s because board-certified derms don’t get as much attention as all-purpose influencers who hawk flashy skincare products. But with Dr. Shao, skincare IG looks a little more legit.
Yamileth Cazorla-Lancaster | @thedoctoryami
What’s her deal? Plant-based nutrition for everyone
Follow if: You want to crave some leafy greens. Or turmeric. Or avocado toast. Or—you get the idea
Yamileth Cazorla-Lancaster, DO, MPH, MS, FAAP, who goes by Dr. Yami on Instagram, is all about plant-based eating, weight bias, intuitive eating, and general wellness and quality of life. “I love educating and empowering others to take action on their health and wellbeing. It has also been so fun meeting other like-minded and brilliant experts,” she tells us. “You don’t have to be perfect to make an impact on your wellbeing. Do the best you can and stay consistent!”
When she’s not running her pediatrician practice, she goes deep on topics that relate to food, bodies, and our relationships with them, like modeling healthy eating habits around kids. Whether you’re interested in going vegan or just plant-curious, Dr. Yami is a great follow.
Mental Care Influencers
Maria Dominguez | @dr.dthemft
What’s her deal? Resilience and self-compassion
Follow to: Get your self-love on
Dr. Maria Dominguez has a lot of qualifications: A PhD in couple and family therapy, a masters in marriage and family therapy, and a marriage and family therapy license. On her website, she writes that one of her main goals is to cultivate resilience in her clients. This comes through in the things she posts, which feature journal prompts, a multi-video series on how to know if you’re too self-critical, and reminders to rest when your energy is depleted. “The most rewarding thing about having a health-centric platform is being a source of encouragement, empowerment and solutions to my audience,” Dominguez tells us. “It is so fulfilling to know my content allows others to feel understood & encouraged to take the next step toward a solution.”
Kelly McKenna | @sitwithkelly
What’s her deal? Therapy from someone who also scrolls too much
Follow to: Recover from the trauma of being a gifted child
Kelly McKenna’s Instagram bio describes her as a “therapist for anxious millennials, like me.”
“If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault,” she tells us. “So many successful, happy people deal with anxiety too. There’s no stigma in asking for help, whether it’s through therapy or self-help tips on Instagram.”
McKenna is a licensed therapist with a master’s in social work and an MBA. Her page covers a wide range of topics one might cover in therapy, from social anxiety, differences between anxiety and depression, how to set boundaries without triggering anxiety, and why hangovers can cause anxiety. It’s a comforting space for anyone who’s ever dealt with anxiety curated by someone who gets it.
Mary Beth Somich | @yourjourneythrough
What’s her deal? A mental health pro who knows the power of a therapist cardigan
Follow to: Get a reminder that therapy isn’t (just) about showing up
So, you’ve signed up for therapy. Now what? Mary Beth Somich, LCMH dispenses a lot of the (helpful) mental health that most Instagram therapists give out, like managing anxiety. But she also delves into the practice of therapy itself, and how to make the most of it—like common goals to set in therapy, not pushing off sessions until you “have enough time” (there’s never enough time!) and avoiding, uh, avoidance while talking with your therapist.
“The most rewarding part of having a health-centric platform is reaching the people who are seeking specific psychoeducation and finding it through my page,” Somich tells us. “A major goal of mine was to provide accessible, relatable, and relevant mental health information to support others, and that has been so rewarding to witness. The most challenging thing is promoting the benefits of therapy, while acknowledging that there are many barriers to accessing it that still exist within our society.”
Emily Kessler | @emilyjkess
What’s her deal? Everyone can meditate!
Follow to: Unclench your jaw
Sitting down to meditate can be tough—especially if it’s your first time doing it. Meditation teacher Emily Kessler makes it a little easier with the meditation inspo (minspo?) she posts, from brief guided meditations for certain times and feelings (like when you’re stressed from work) to her tried-and-true methods for getting in the mood to meditate.
And, if you ever need a reminder to relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and remove your tongue from the roof of your mouth (most of us do), Kessler’s account has frequent reminders to do just that.
One thing to take away from following her?
“I’d love for people to take away that a healthy life is one that is balanced and fulfilling, not just one that’s filled with all of the things we deem ‘healthy,’” Kessler tells us. “Wellness and health aren’t binary and they aren’t just about green juices, yoga poses, and journaling. Sometimes the ‘healthiest’ thing we can do for ourselves is stay out dancing until 4 a.m., skip our morning meditation and go out for bottomless brunch with a bunch of friends.”
Ericka Gail | @mentalhealthfemme
What’s their deal? Mental health… and memes
Follow to: Laugh, but also deal with serious issues
Educator Ericka Gail, M.S.ed has lots of great mental health information on their page. But where their curation really shines is with meme dumps. All focus on mental health—at least in some capacity—and, if the comments are anything to go by, you will always find a slide or two that resonates with you so perfectly, you’ll feel like it was made for you.
Manoj Dias (meditation teacher) @manojdias_
What’s his deal? Meditation and vibes
Follow to: Absorb some meditation and vibes
Meditation teacher Manoj Dias is the cofounder and vice president of mindfulness at Open, a community mindfulness platform. And his Instagram is just as cool as one might expect for someone with that job title. Dias is less bound to the typical reels-and-infographics style of many influencers do; instead, his page seems more like a gallery wall filled with visually soothing colors and shapes. (And that, on its own, is worthy enough.) But looking closer at each post reveals more guidance, like a seascape with a mantra and meditative tips for dealing with uncomfortable emotions.
Nutrition Influencers
Carlie Saint-Laurent Beaucejour | @mindfuleatingdietitian
What’s her deal? Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated!
Follow if: You want to eat healthier without changing your whole lifestyle
Registered dietitian Carlie Saint-Laurent Beacejour is all about helping clients maximize nutrition without restriction. Her page is full of quick meal ideas, recipes, and tips for sustaining a healthy diet without burning out. All her tips are pragmatic and doable, with affordable ingredients and reminders that health is about much more than weight.
Krista Linares | @latinadietitian
What’s her deal? Questioning Eurocentric food standards
Follow for: Tips for making delicious Latine food even healthier
Why is it that we think of avocado toast as healthy, and something like, say, molletes, as not? In her Instagram bio, registered dietitian Krista Linares writes that she’s using her platform to help “[first]and [second] gen Latines reconnect with and learn from heritage food.” This means centering traditional Latine and Caribbean foods, like tamales and tortillas, and questioning the notion that such fare can’t be healthy. According to Linares, most already are—the American food system is just so backed up with Eurocentric, diet-culture-y advice (“carbs are bad; fat is bad”) that they don’t get the credit. Linares also has tips for making traditional food even healthier without giving up key staples, like adding more veggies and protein to a plate. With a tortilla on the side, of course.
“I want people to know that health and well being should fit into their unique life, rather than making their life fit into a one size fits all model of wellness,” Linares tells us. “On my platform I address this through food culture. So many of my clients say they’ve been told to avoid some of their favorite cultural foods based on overly simplistic nutrition. Not only is this not the case, but creates a cycle of shame around our culture, which is also bad for our emotional well being. I want health to feel doable and natural for people, and that includes incorporating their culture and their values into their nutrition.”
Hannah Van Ark | @plant.forward.nutritionist
What’s her deal? Eat more plants! But not all plants
Follow if: You want to eat more veggies but aren’t ready to go full vegan
One for the plant lovers. Hannah Van Ark (RDN) describes herself as a plant-forward nutritionist, which means she’s all about mixing veggies into meals, not jumping in all at once to a plant-based lifestyle. You’ll find fully vegan recipes on her page, as well as tips for making meals with salmon and meat a little less focused on the animal products and more focused on the vegetable “sides.” If you’re inspired by plant-based eating, but not the all-or-nothing mindset espoused by some hard-core vegans, you’ll want to give Van Ark a follow.
“You don’t have to have an all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to weight loss or enjoying a more plant-based lifestyle,” Van Ark tells us. “There’s plenty of room for flexibility and fun, as long as you have a consistent plan to get toward your goals! My mission is to help people eat more plants and achieve vibrant health that they can maintain for their whole lives.”
Emily Moore @thedietitanrunner
What’s her deal? You can’t run that race without proper fuel!
Follow for: A reminder that you do need to eat carbs, actually
Emily Moore is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer. This means she knows a thing or two about what’s needed to fuel your body before, during, and after runs. Her content focuses primarily on what runners need—including people newer to the sport—to perform well. But everyone can benefit from her “runner’s plate” and post-workout meal ideas, as well as her near-constant reminders that being scared to eat carbs does more harm than good.
Sasha Pagni | @sashaemoniee
What’s her deal? Herbalism from an artist’s eye
Follow to: Increase your edible flower intake
Looking through herbalist Sasha Pagni’s Instagram account feels like viewing a portal to another world. In this world, all food comes in lush shades of green, purple, orange, and yellow, is exquisitely plated and photographed, and almost always contains some edible flowers. And although her meals look like they should be in a museum, she shares recipes and tips for making them—like this hydrating “herbal water” with cucumbers, limes, and beets and adaptogenic vanilla banana bread.
“I am working to create a space that is about reclamation and remembrance,” Pagni tells us. “I hope people who follow me can be moved to slow down, commune with nature, to find guidance with the plants, and to remember that they are their own most knowledgeable healer. “
Mallory Page | @malloryjpage
What’s her deal? No diet culture, just a dietitian
Follow if: You want to drink some green juice, but you also want to eat a cookie
Lots of online nutrition content falls into a sneaky, insidious, vaguely-disordered-under-the-guise-of-promoting health space. Mallory Page, a registered dietitian with her own history of disordered eating, works against the diet culture grind by calling out weird trends and promoting what she calls food freedom. This is the idea that you don’t have to obsessively plan out meals or scour restaurant menus days in advance so you can plan your eating schedule around what you want to order there. If you’ve ever struggled with disordered eating or find yourself side-eying those “What I Eat In A Day” videos that start with someone flaunting their abs, Page’s profile will speak to you.
Rest Influencers
Angela Holliday-Bell | @thesleep_MD
What’s her deal? A sleep specialist who just wants you to go to bed on time
Follow for: Tips to sleep better without stress
Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell is here to remind you that sleep is self-care—so it’s worth making it a priority. Whether that comes in the form of (mindful) naps, sleep hygiene, or monitoring your caffeine intake, any step you take toward prioritizing your slumber should benefit you in the long run. Even if that means falling asleep before 10 p.m. on a night when you’re supposed to go out.
“As a physician, I educate my patients every day on a 1-on-1 basis,” she tells us. “But having a larger platform across social media allows me to educate individuals I wouldn’t otherwise have access to. The challenge is that there is so much misinformation out there that it can be difficult to cut through the fluff in order to get my message across. It can also be difficult to deliver important educational information in a way that is entertaining enough for people to receive and engage.”
Shelby Harris | @sleepdocshelby
What’s her deal? Get informed, get your insomnia
Follow for: Sleep tips without the guilt trip
As a cognitive behavioral therapist and certified sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Shelby Harris understands how sleep (or lack thereof) can impact mental health—her speciality is helping women with insomnia. On her page, Harris provides tips for dealing with sleep issues that can impact the whole family, from kids to grown-ups. She also shares advice on what to do if you’re seeking medical treatment for sleep issues, like questions to ask your provider if you get diagnosed with a disorder.
Teresa DeNike | @sleepbetternyc
What’s her deal? Helping you understand why you can’t sleep
Follow for: Better sleep without extra-strength melatonin
Teresa DeNike is a sleep coach (CCSH) and founder of Sleep Better NYC. Her posts explain the ins and outs of a good (and bad) night of sleep, such as how anxiety can fuel sleep apnea, how to maximize the effectiveness of nasal breathing during the day so you breathe better at night, and setting boundaries before bed for restful slumber. It’s a useful insight into common issues you may not have even known you were dealing with.
“I want people to realize that they don’t HAVE to accept being exhausted and feeling sick as a part of life. There are ways you can help yourself, and clinical support doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated,” she tells us. “The truth is, sleeplessness and sleep disorders are incredibly common. More importantly, they can be improved and treated.”
Meredith Broderick | @sleepdoctormer
What’s her deal? A sleep expert who knows how to use a whiteboard
Follow for: Real explanations for that not-so-great sleep you might have
Sleep is one of those things that should be simple—just tuck in and nod off!—but often… is not. Dr. Meredith Broderick, a neurologist and triple board-certified sleep specialist, knows this. But she makes the science behind it seem a little more approachable with her breakdowns of common sleep questions, like “what is melatonin, exactly?” and “do dreams mean anything?”. It’s a great way to learn more about your sleep and things that could be affecting it.
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Do You Want To Be On This List?
You can be! It’s a fluid process, and we plan on updating it frequently. People will come and go based on their continued content, social platforms, and follower counts. Email us at [email protected] if you’d like to be featured.
