#63 - Yawning Explained
In this podcast, Matt explores the fascinating topic of yawning. He begins by pointing out that although we all yawn and assume it's a sign of sleepiness, science hasn't provided a definitive answer regarding its purpose. Matt delves into the etymology of the word "yawn" and describes the five distinct steps involved in the yawning reflex, shedding light on its physiological process. Matt then introduces three leading scientific theories explaining why we yawn. The first theory suggests that ...
18 Dec 202322min
#62 - The Snooze Button
Matt's back, and this time he's tackling the perennial debate: Is the snooze button a friend or foe when it comes to your sleep and overall health? He shines a spotlight on an intriguing study led by Dr. Tina Sundelin and her team - one that challenges our conventional wisdom about snooze buttons. Surprisingly, their research reveals that snooze button usage is quite common, especially among night owls and younger folks. What's even more unexpected is that snoozing may not have the detrimenta...
4 Dec 202327min
#61 - Ask Me Anything Pt.2
Dr. Eti Ben Simon joins Matt once again this week to continue their AMA session where they bring their vast amount of knowledge and expertise to bear in responding to a variety of listener questions. They begin by delving into the intricate relationship between sleep, hormones, and the female reproductive cycle, providing invaluable insights into women's health. Together, they examine the challenges faced during the perimenopausal and menopausal periods, characterized by erratic hormonal fluc...
20 Nov 20231h 10min
#60 - Ask Me Anything Pt.1
In today’s thoroughly engaging episode, Matt joins forces with Dr. Eti Ben Simon from his Center for Human Sleep Science to embark upon an enlightening "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session, addressing a wide array of questions related to sleep. Together, they explore such topics as sleep differences between males and females, the impact of sleep trackers on our rest, and the intriguing dynamics of sleep patterns based on biological sex. The journey continues as Matt responds to queries regar...
6 Nov 20231h 2min
#59 - Sleep & Motor Memory
In today’s memorable episode, Matt examines the intriguing connection between sleep and motor memory. Beginning with an explanation of the two main types of human memory - fact-based memory and procedural memory, which includes motor/skill memories - he notes that, contrary to popular belief, motor/skill memories aren't stored in our muscles but primarily within the brain. Matt also describes his journey into researching motor memories which started at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, En...
23 Okt 202327min
#58 - Caffeine Nap
In this episode, Matt delves into the intriguing realm of the "caffeine nap." He explores the idea of combining a short nap with caffeine to enhance mental performance and wakefulness. The episode kicks off with a dilemma – in the afternoon, when faced with fatigue, should you opt for coffee or a nap? Matt reveals that the answer isn't a simple choice between the two but a potent mix of both. Matt elucidates the science behind the caffeine nap, emphasizing the ideal timing for each element. H...
9 Okt 202337min
#57 - Polyphasic Sleep
In this engaging podcast episode, Matt delves into the world of polyphasic sleep – the practice of dividing sleep into multiple short naps throughout the day. The episode starts by exploring the historical origins of polyphasic sleep, from the concept of phases within a 24-hour sleep cycle to the motivations behind adopting unconventional sleep patterns for increased productivity. Matt explains various polyphasic sleep schedules, such as the Uberman, Everyman, and Triphasic schedules, which i...
25 Sep 202330min
#56 - Treating Your Insomnia with Michael Grandner pt 2
Matt and special guest, Dr. Michael Grandner, continue their dialogue regarding the multifaceted world of sleep, insomnia, and their intersections with various life aspects. Together, they unveil the gender-based variations in susceptibility to insomnia, attributing higher rates among women to their willingness to express challenges. Their conversation navigates through sleep difficulties during life transitions like menopause, exploring the impact of physical discomfort and emotional changes...
11 Sep 202346min
