START WITH SLEEP

10/15/2025

Next week, I have the honor of presenting at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Food as Medicine Symposium at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - University at Buffalo, where I will be speaking on my session, “Restorative Sleep: The Foundational Pillar of Lifestyle Medicine.”

While nutrition is rightly celebrated as medicine, the truth is that food cannot work alone. Without adequate, quality sleep, the body cannot fully absorb nutrients, regulate metabolism, or repair itself — limiting the impact of even the healthiest lifestyle interventions.

Sleep is not just rest, it is restoration.
It is the amplifier that strengthens every other pillar of health: nutrition, movement, stress management, and connection.

When we sleep well, we restore the body’s power to heal.

💪This special presentation series introduces attendees to the six evidence-based pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, restorative sleep, avoidance of risky substances, and social connection. The 5th Annual Food as Medicine Symposium "Embracing Health, Empowering Communities" begins on October 23 - tickets at this link: https://theticketing.co/e/famsymposium2025?open=true.🎇

10/01/2025

A dedicated space to WAKE YOU UP to the importance of SLEEPing well, to inspire action over awareness, and to serve as a source of consistent transparency as to what works, what doesn't, and most importantly to find what works BEST for you - and your unique needs.

09/26/2025

08/26/2025

🌙 We’re Evolving – A New Era for START WITH SLEEP, The doze and The Doze Podcast!

After a decade on Hertel Avenue, it is with both gratitude and anticipation that we announce the next chapter in our journey. While it is a bittersweet decision to close our storefront and resource center, this transition represents a thoughtful step forward—one designed to better meet the growing needs of our clients, customers, and partners.

As the ways we shop, learn, and connect continue to evolve, we recognize that a physical space no longer aligns with how our audience seeks support.

Starting in Fall 2025, we will transition fully to an online model, shifting our retail operations to a dedicated warehouse to support both e-commerce shoppers and our expanding corporate purchasing base.

All services and offerings will be delivered virtually, giving our clients the flexibility, access, and personalization they are seeking —delivered right into their homes and sleep spaces.

Though our physical doors will close, our mission remains stronger than ever. We are deepening our global impact, innovating with sensory-driven solutions, and continuing to show up in the ways that matter most.

To our Buffalo, New York community and everyone who has stepped into our space, shopped with us, attended a workshop, or supported our mission over the years—THANK YOU. You have helped shape the heart of who we are, and we carry that forward.

From a local sleep resource to a growing international brand, the past 10 years have been nothing short of transformative. As we embrace this new era, we are expanding into new markets, refining our offerings, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to help you sleep well, live fully, and wake up to your pure potential.

Final In-Store Hours: 🛍️

Join us between August 30th – September 20th for one last visit!

We will be offering:
✨ Special deals on your favorite sleep products
🪑 Furniture, fixtures, and décor for sale as we prepare to operate behind closed doors
📦 One last chance to shop in person, stock up, and say goodbye

Thank you for being part of our story. We are so excited for what comes next and can not wait to continue to grow with you.

Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing what’s for sale in the coming days!

Here’s to growth, gratitude, and what lies ahead.

🙏 With love and endless appreciation,

Soda Kuczkowski
CEO - START WITH SLEEP, LLC | The Doze

05/28/2025

Thrilled to share that I will be serving as a Moderator at this year’s WNY Women's Foundation Leadership Summit happening this Friday at UB Alumni Arena!

I will be guiding a powerful session on “Leading with Confidence, Not Self-Doubt”—a conversation I am deeply invested in. As someone who believes preparation is power, I lead with clarity and purpose, showing up fully aligned with my values.

This year’s theme, Unapologetically Courageous, is all about bold action and I am proud to be part of a movement that is shifting how we lead, live, and lift each other up. With over 900 women registered, this Summit is an energizing call to action and a space where confidence meets community.

The idea that confidence is something we build, not just feel, is central to the work I do. If you want to lead with more presence, resilience, and conviction—start with your sleep!

In a recent episode of The Doze Podcast, I break down why sleep is not just a wellness tool but a leadership strategy. One that helps you show up sharper, more grounded and more powerful in every part of your life.

🎧 Listen in: https://www.startwithsleep.com/thedozepodcast/episode/28a4bd89/how-sleep-builds-confidence

Learn more:
https://wnywomensfoundation.org/leadership-summit/



Soda Kuczkowski - Founder + CEO
START WITH SLEEP | The doze

03/14/2025

Happy World Sleep Society 😴 World Sleep Day 2025!

Today, START WITH SLEEP proudly served as a World Sleep Day delegate for the 9th consecutive year, using this global platform to champion the critical role of sleep in public health, workplace performance, and community well-being.

This year, we took action through a series of impactful events, focusing on education, advocacy, and systemic change in sleep health.

📌 Supporting Those Who Serve: Protective Services & Shift Workers

The day started with a specialized sleep health session for protective service personnel— the newest class of correctional officers, as part of the LMHF Strive to Thrive Program at Beaver Hollow Conference Center. These professionals operate in high-stress environments with irregular schedules, making quality sleep essential for peak performance, safety, and long-term well-being.

Stepping into a demanding profession, these individuals must maintain mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and physical endurance—all of which are directly influenced by the quality of their sleep. By prioritizing sleep, they can enhance decision-making, manage stress, and stay alert in critical situations.

📌The Key to Thriving Educators, Enhanced Learning, and Faculty Resilience

In the afternoon, we delivered a session for the East Aurora Union Free School District for their Wellness Development Day, entitled, "The Sleep Connection in Your Wellness Journey."

This session redefined sleep as the ultimate performance enhancer, revealing its critical role in energy, immunity, metabolism, focus, and longevity. While often overlooked, sleep is the foundation of overall well-being, deeply interconnected with mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical health.

By prioritizing their own sleep, educators enhance teaching performance, support student success, and foster a healthier school culture.

📌 Strengthening First Responder Wellness

Earlier this week, we provided a specialized sleep health session for Comprehensive Programming for Medical & First Responders Training at the Erie County Fire Training Academy, highlighting the critical link between sleep, resilience, and peer support. First responders navigate high-stress environments and unpredictable schedules, making quality sleep essential for managing fatigue, enhancing recovery, and sustaining peak performance. This session provided practical strategies to integrate sleep health into wellness programs, ensuring they can better support themselves and their teams.

🌟 The Message is Clear: Sleep is not just an individual responsibility, it is a public health priority. It is essential for resilience, mental clarity, and peak performance —whether in the workplace, the classroom, or the community.

🌎 Let’s continue the conversation! What’s one change you’ve made to improve your sleep?? Drop your comments below! 👇🏽

Delegate: START WITH SLEEP, LLC Affiliation: START WITH SLEEP, LLC Short Bio: START WITH SLEEP, LLC is a Latina-owned, community-driven organization based in New York State, recognized as a leader in sleep health education and advocacy. Committed to transforming the way individuals, organizations, a...

03/11/2025

It is National Sleep Foundation's Sleep Awareness Week® A week-long event that reemphasizes the important connection between your sleep and your health and well-being.

This year the results of their annual poll focused on the critical connection between sleep health and various dimensions of well-being including happiness, productivity at work and home, goal achievement, and a fulfilling social life—collectively considered flourishing. Overwhelmingly it showed that almost 9 in 10 adults (88%) with good sleep satisfaction are in fact flourishing.

At START WITH SLEEP we spend our days educating organizations, communities, and professionals on just how serious sleep is to health outcomes, safety, resilience, and mental well-being. Yet, sleep still continues to be overlooked, often taking a backseat to nutrition and physical activity.

The reality? Sleep is the ultimate performance enhancer—not just for your body, but for your mind, relationships, and overall success. When you prioritize sleep, you set yourself up to flourish in every aspect of life. It influences:
✅ How well you focus and make decisions
✅ Your emotional regulation and stress management
✅ Physical recovery and immune function
✅ Workplace productivity and safety
✅ Long-term risks for chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s

We should be eating to support healthy sleep patterns, not just energy levels. We should be moving our bodies to help regulate sleep, not just for fitness. Because when sleep is optimized, everything else falls into place.

If you’re looking for ways to improve performance, well-being, and resilience, start by prioritizing sleep, it is how you tap into your true potential and best self.

03/11/2025

Happy National Nap Day! 😴

Feeling extra groggy today? You're not alone! This unofficial holiday, falls right after we "spring forward" for daylight saving time—when most of us are running on less sleep than we should be.

But before you dive into an hours-long snooze, let’s talk Power Naps! A well-timed nap can be a game-changer, boosting alertness, energy, and focus—without wrecking your nighttime sleep.

Healthy Napping Tips:
😴 Keep it short – 10-30 minutes is the sweet spot for a productivity boost.
😴 If you nap longer, aim for a full 90 minutes to complete a full sleep cycle.
😴 Time it right – Avoid napping after 4 PM to protect your nighttime sleep.
😴 Use naps wisely – They’re great for making up lost sleep but shouldn’t replace quality nighttime rest.
😴Use a dark, quiet space to fall asleep faster. or use a sleep eyemask.
😴Try caffeine naps (drinking coffee before a 20-minute nap) for an extra energy boost.

Why Nap? The Benefits:
✅ Reduces sleepiness & brain fog
✅ Enhances concentration & focus
✅ Increases energy & productivity
✅ Helps regulate mood & emotions

So, if you’re dragging today, give yourself permission to hit reset with a strategic nap. Your body (and brain) will thank you!


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03/06/2025

🚨 REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time Starts This Sunday – March 9th at 2 AM but the prep starts TONIGHT!👇👇👇

11/30/2024

🎉 Today START WITH SLEEP is celebrating 9 Years since we opened our doors on Hertel Avenue with a dream of helping our community prioritize sleep as the foundation for their health and wellness. Since then, it has grown into so much more—a space for education, connection, and transformation.

This anniversary is extra special as it also marks just over 1 year since our rebrand and the launch of The doze product line and podcast! From curating sleep-enhancing tools to hosting conversations that inspire a cultural shift around sleep, we’ve been on an incredible journey thanks to YOU—our community.

💙 Thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and for being part of this journey—whether you’ve visited us on Hertel Avenue, shopped our boutique, attended a workshop, or listened to the podcast.

This anniversary isn’t just about looking back—it’s a commitment to all the dreams and collaborations yet to come. 🙏

✨ Let’s Make This Anniversary Special Together!

This Small Business Saturday, we’re inviting you to celebrate with us in a big way:

🛍️ Special Offer: All items over $22 are Buy 1, Get the 2nd Half Off!

🎁 Custom Sleep Kits: Create personalized sleep kits for everyone on your list, from bedtime essentials to self-care tools—there’s something for everyone. OPEN TODAY: 11am -5pm!

🌟 Share Your Story! Have we helped you improve your sleep? Do you have a favorite memory, workshop, product, or podcast episode? Please share your experience in the comments or tag us in your posts! We’d love to hear how The doze | START WITH SLEEP has impacted your life.

We would be so grateful if you would take an extra moment to leave us a review sharing your experience:
https://g.page/r/CXulqXIfliKFEBM/review

11/29/2024

11/08/2024

🌟 I'm thrilled and honored to announce that START WITH SLEEP, LLC has been selected for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Minority Business Initiative as part of their third cohort!

This opportunity marks an exciting step forward for us as we continue expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and driving positive change right here in Western New York.

I’m especially excited to connect with a community of talented, diverse entrepreneurs, sharing resources and insights that will enrich our mission of advocating for healthier sleep and wellness practices across our region.

A heartfelt thank you to the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Kenya Hobbs, for investing in our voices and for supporting and uplifting minority-owned businesses. Your commitment to diversity and inclusion is creating powerful pathways for growth and innovation. 🙏

Meet the 14 companies that are part of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's 2024 Minority Business Initiative Cohort.