Worklife with Adam Grant
What hibernating animals can teach us about human sleep with Vladyslav Vyazovskiy
Mar 18, 2025
Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, a sleep physiologist at Oxford University, explores the fascinating world of sleep and hibernation. He discusses the potential for humans to hibernate, suggesting it could revolutionize medicine and space travel. The conversation dives into common sleep myths, the individuality of sleep needs, and the implications of sleep quality on wellbeing. Vyazovskiy also shares insights on dreaming and the evolutionary aspects of sleep, painting a picture of how much we still have to learn about our nightly rhythms.
39:25
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Quick takeaways
- Exploring human hibernation could revolutionize medical treatments and enable survival in extreme conditions during interplanetary missions.
- The study of hibernation raises questions about the evolutionary purpose of sleep and its varied impacts on cognitive functioning.
Deep dives
Understanding Hibernation and Torpor
Hibernation is a complex physiological process characterized by a state called torpor, where an animal's metabolic rate significantly decreases. This reduced metabolism allows various species, such as ground squirrels and bears, to survive through harsh environmental conditions by lowering their body temperature and conserving energy for extended periods. Unlike deep sleep, where the brain is less active, hibernation is a meticulously regulated state that enables animals to remain responsive to external threats while in a dormant condition. The study of hibernation not only sheds light on animal survival strategies but also raises questions about its potential applications for humans.
