#29: Insomnia - Part 4

Diving into the controversial world of Modafinil, the "all-nighter in a pill", Matt begins with the story of Olympic sprinters using the narcolepsy drug as a loophole for a competitive edge. He then unpacks the science of how Modafinil affects brain chemistry to boost wakefulness and cognition, tracing its evolution from a medical treatment to a performance enhancer for the military, Wall Street, and students, all attempting to push human limits by cheating sleep. Despite its potent effects, ...

3 Marras 32min

Matt explores the fascinating world of synesthesia today, challenging the notion that it's a rare quirk by proposing a bold claim: in subtle ways, we are all synesthetes. This idea is powerfully demonstrated by the famous "Bouba/Kiki" test, which reveals our brain's innate tendency to connect abstract shapes and sounds. The episode argues that this fundamental cross-wiring is not a mere curiosity but the very operating system for human thought, shaping everything from our metaphors to the dev...

27 Loka 22min

Framing sleep not as a biological necessity, but as a critical economic asset, Matt reveals that sleep deprivation costs the U.S. economy up to $411 billion annually, with billions more lost globally. These costs stem from lost workplace productivity, severe cognitive impairment equivalent to intoxication, and massive strains on healthcare and public safety systems due to chronic disease and accidents like drowsy driving. Matt provides the solution: investing in sleep as a powerful economic s...

20 Loka 19min

In this user's guide to sleep trackers, learn the science behind how they work using motion and optical sensors as Matt explains the key metrics of Sensitivity, Specificity, and Accuracy. Revealing why most trackers overestimate sleep by failing to detect wakefulness, he reveals the crucial difference between a device's flawed "absolute accuracy" and its more valuable "relative accuracy," which highlights the importance of tracking long-term trends over single-night scores. Matt goes on to ex...

13 Loka 1h 2min

Matt takes a deep dive into REM sleep this week, highlighting methods to enhance this vital stage for emotional regulation and creativity. Detailing pharmacological approaches, he focuses on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and how medications like donepezil and modern DORAs can boost REM sleep, while also identifying common suppressors like alcohol and THC. Throughout the episode, he also emphasizes that the goal is not to maximize one stage but to achieve a balanced sleep architecture. Th...

6 Loka 51min

In this soothing episode, Matt guides you on your personal sleep story towards deep, restorative rest. He invites you to find comfort and release the day's worries through intentional breathing, transporting you to a cozy, imagined haven bathed in soft lights and calming aromas. As twilight descends, experience the tranquil silence and the moon's gentle glow, replacing any turmoil with profound inner peace. A powerful visualization encourages you to shed thoughts and concerns, picturing them ...

29 Syys 29min

In this week’s episode, Matt Walker explores memory's astonishing malleability, challenging the belief that recollections are fixed. He highlights Loftus's car crash study, showing how subtle language altered speed memories and implanted false details, and reviews the "Lost in the Mall" experiment which proved fabricated autobiographical memories can be instilled. Matt also notes that neuroimaging reveals false and true memory patterns in the hippocampus are remarkably similar, underscoring m...

22 Syys 24min

Founder & CEO of Elevated Medical, Dr. Avinish Reddy, joins Matt today on this very special episode to discuss a comprehensive approach to longevity. One core theme presented is the profound interconnectedness of physical, mental, and cognitive well-being, essential for true health optimization. Dr. Reddy emphasizes the striking impact of social connection: isolation can increase early death risk by 50%, comparable to smoking. He believes fostering strong social bonds is a fundamental pil...

15 Syys 1h 29min