A Sleep Scientist's Guide to Better Sleep Habits with Dr. Allison Brager
Mar 15, 2023
54:42
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Quick takeaways
Creating a sleep routine and a sleep-friendly environment can significantly improve sleep.
Sharing a bed with a partner can have positive effects on sleep, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Deep dives
Importance of sleep routine and bedtime environment
Creating a sleep routine and a sleep-friendly environment can significantly improve sleep. Avoid stimulating activities and bright lights before bedtime. Remove distractions like TVs from the bedroom. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or journaling.
The impact of stress and anxiety on sleep
Stress and anxiety can disrupt sleep and cause middle-of-the-night awakenings. Managing stress throughout the day is essential. Incorporate moments of rest and relaxation, practice deep breathing exercises, and consider mind-body practices like yoga nidra to help calm the mind and promote better sleep.
The benefits of sharing a bed or sleeping with a partner
Sharing a bed with a partner can have positive effects on sleep. The sense of trust and connection can release oxytocin, promoting relaxation and better sleep. However, ensure the sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to restful sleep for both individuals.
The significance of napping and optimal nap duration
Napping can be an effective way to offset sleep debt and improve daytime alertness. A nap duration of 20-30 minutes is ideal for most individuals. Longer naps should be reserved for shift workers or individuals with high sleep debt. Timing the nap during the mid-afternoon dip in the circadian rhythm can enhance its effectiveness.
This week WHOOP VP of Performance Science, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes is joined by Dr. Allison Brager. She is a neurobiologist with expertise in sleep and circadian rhythms who works to examine the mind and body’s resilience to extreme environmental stress. She serves as a member of the WHOOP Scientific Advisory Council and wrote a popular science book entitled Meathead: Unraveling the Athletic Brain. Kristen and Dr. Brager will discuss the NCAA handbook and sleep trends for NCAA student-athletes (3:07), WHOOP member sleep statistics (8:35), the proper framework to maximize sleep performance (12:33), what happens when sleep performance is poor (16:05), how to effectively lower sleep debt (19:10), behaviors to advance and delay your sleep onset (21:35), the impact of light before bed (27:00), myths about sleep (32:55), how to get a good night’s sleep and how to prep during the day (35:47), taking the perfect nap (40:30), practicing yoga nidra (44:00), sharing a bed with a partner or pet (47:05), and sleep tourism (48:50).