#70 - Sleep & Screens with Dr. Michael Gradisar

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Mar 25, 2024

Dr. Gradisar and Matt discuss the evolving understanding of screens and sleep, challenging previous beliefs. They explore the impact of bright screens on sleep quality, personalized health analysis, and strategies for tech-free bedtime. The podcast delves into industry transitions, research horizons, and collaboration between academia and industry in sleep science.

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INSIGHT

Early Screen and Sleep Research

Early research linked screen use and sleep problems, but didn't explain why.
Studies initially focused on surveys and correlations, not causation.

INSIGHT

The Importance of Measuring Sleep

Measuring sleep after screen exposure is crucial, not just pre-sleep alertness.
Some assume common sense explains the link, but scientific testing is essential.

INSIGHT

Minimal Impact of Bright Screens on Sleep Onset

Bright screens caused only a slight delay in falling asleep (3.5 minutes) compared to dim screens.
This small effect was replicated across 10 studies with different populations and devices.

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In today's podcast episode, Matt welcomes back Dr. Michael Gradisar to delve into the evolving understanding of screens and sleep. Initially holding the belief in the detrimental effect of screen light on sleep, Matt finds this notion challenged by Dr. Gradisar's research, which emphasizes a more nuanced perspective. Their discussion highlights the shift from simplistic concerns about screen use to acknowledging the multifaceted influences on sleep, including content and individual differences.

Dr. Gradisar's experiments, such as exposure to violent video games and bedtime displacement monitoring, emphasize the complexity of the relationship between technology use and sleep, stressing the need for personalized approaches to addressing sleep issues. His dialogue with Matt underscores the importance of scientific inquiry in challenging and refining commonly held beliefs about technology and sleep, advocating for a nuanced understanding that considers individual behaviors and differences. Furthermore, both speakers encourage researchers to engage with industry and the public, translating findings into practical advice for improving sleep hygiene and promoting healthier sleep practices.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

The good people at InsideTracker are one of the sponsors of this week's episode. For a very limited time, InsideTracker is giving you 50% off their bundles. Plus, they’re offering 30% off everything else in their store. InsideTracker is a personalized biometric platform that analyzes your blood and your DNA to better understand what's happening inside of you and offers suggestions regarding things that you can do to better try and adjust some of those numbers, optimize them, and, as a result, optimize you.

Also sponsoring this week are those fine people at Athletic Greens, and they are generously offering 3 benefits for anyone who uses the above link for their first order: 1) a discount on your order; 2) a one-year free supply of vitamin D; 3) five free travel packs. Athletic Greens is a nutrition drink that combines a full complement of antioxidants, minerals, and biotics, together with essential vitamins. Matt’s been using it for several years now because he’s serious about his health, and because he did his research on the science and ingredients in Athletic Greens and thinks its scientific data can be taken as ground truth.

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.

Links:

Wink Sleep: https://winksleep.online/

Michael Gradisar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gradisar-ba2184b6/?originalSubdomain=au