#55 - Targeting Insomnia (With Dr. Michael Grandner)
In the podcast, sleep expert Dr. Michael Grandner engages in a conversation with Matt about insomnia. They delve into the subject by defining what insomnia is, examining its causes, understanding its implications, and discussing potential remedies. An important distinction is made between short-term insomnia and chronic insomnia. They highlight that chronic insomnia often evolves into a standalone problem. One of the major talking points is the significant impact of insomnia, which is believe...
28 Aug 202351min
#54 - The Art of Napping
In today’s episode, Matt shines a spotlight on the science behind napping and explores the optimal nap duration for various cognitive benefits. He starts by introducing the concept of napping and its benefits for the brain and body, and then discusses sleep inertia, the groggy feeling upon awakening from a nap, and its potential impact on brain performance. Matt walks through the dose-response curve of naps, starting with ultra-short power naps of five minutes or less, which show no evidence ...
14 Aug 202326min
#53 - Sleep & Antioxidants
In this second part of his series on sleep, free radicals, and antioxidants, Matt delves into the fascinating connection between sleep and oxidative stress. He begins by recapping the previous episode's discussion on free radicals and oxidative stress, highlighting the recent studies that have revealed one of the functions of sleep: to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals. Curiosity leads Matt to question why total sleep deprivation often leads to death in different species...
31 Juli 202321min
#52 - Sleep & Free Radicals
In today’s episode, Matt takes us on a journey exploring the fascinating world of antioxidants and their link to sleep. The theory of free radical flux and its connection to sleep is introduced, shedding light on the role of antioxidants in combating oxidative stress. Through engaging storytelling and scientific evidence, Matt explains how free radicals can cause cellular damage and why sleep evolved as a mechanism to manage their burden. The research on mutant fruit flies reveals the impact ...
17 Juli 202321min
#51 - Catch-up Sleep?
On today’s episode, Matt discusses the concept of "catch-up sleep" and explores whether it effectively compensates for sleep deprivation during the week. The study featured in the episode focused on a group of participants who experienced short sleep during the week and attempted to make up for it with longer sleep on weekends. The findings revealed that despite the extra sleep on weekends, individuals were only able to recover 25% of their sleep debt. This highlights that sleep doesn't work ...
3 Juli 202320min
#50 - Restless Leg Syndrome
MW E50 Restless Leg Syndrome Summary: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition characterized by irresistible urges to move the muscles in the legs and arms, often accompanied by crawling, tingling, or burning sensations. A common sleep disorder affecting around 5% of the population, which translates to approximately 400 million individuals worldwide, its symptoms primarily occur at night, disrupting sleep quality and leading to fatigue. RLS is linked to genetic factors ...
19 Juni 202325min
#49 - Nightmares and Treatment
Today, Matt explores the fascinating realm of nightmares and the cutting-edge treatment known as Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT). Nightmares, often associated with rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep), can disrupt sleep quality and emotional well-being. However, IRT offers a unique approach to tackling nightmares by helping individuals envision alternative endings to their recurring dreams. By modifying and rehearsing these alternative scenarios, individuals can update their nightmare memories ...
5 Juni 202316min
#48 - What is Sleep Apnea?
In today’s episode, Matt discusses the sleep disorder known as sleep apnea, focusing on its definition, prevalence, and the dangers it poses if left untreated. Sleep apnea is a breathing-related sleep disorder, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common form. It occurs when the airway partially or fully collapses during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing and oxygen deprivation. Sleep apnea is alarmingly prevalent, affecting an estimated 12-20% of the population worldwide, with a hi...
22 Maj 202327min
