Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Why Sleep is the Most Important Pillar of Health with Professor Matthew Walker #70

13 snips

Jul 10, 2019

Join world-leading sleep researcher Professor Matthew Walker, author of 'Why We Sleep', as he reveals the hidden power of sleep. He discusses how sleep affects everything from athletic performance to mental health. Discover tips to combat jet lag and the surprising impact of caffeine and alcohol on sleep quality. Walker emphasizes the critical connection between sleep and health, urging society to prioritize this vital pillar. With personal insights and practical advice, this conversation will transform the way you think about rest and recovery.

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ADVICE

Combating Jet Lag

Get bright light exposure in the morning and wear shades in the afternoon to combat jet lag.
Try to sleep early or mid-flight, aligning wake-up time with the new time zone's bedtime.

INSIGHT

Caffeine's Sleep Disruption

Caffeine has a quarter-life of 12 hours, meaning a quarter of it remains in your brain at midnight if consumed at noon.
It disrupts deep sleep and can create a dependency cycle, masking its true impact.

ADVICE

Managing Caffeine Intake

Consider reducing caffeine intake or switching to decaf to improve sleep quality.
Enjoy caffeinated beverages before noon to minimize sleep disruption.

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This interview originally aired 12 months ago as a 2 part conversation, which have proved to be two of the most popular episodes that I have released so far. Many listeners have asked me to re-release them as one single conversation so that they can listen from start to finish without interruption, so here it is!

Sleep is one of the most undervalued components of our health, yet neglecting it can have devastating consequences. In this episode, I talk to world-leading sleep researcher, author of the international best-selling book ‘Why We Sleep’ and Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, Matthew Walker.

We discuss everything you ever needed to know about sleep. Matthew shares some brilliant tips to combat jet lag, explains how sleep can enhance athletic performance and decrease risk of injury and reveals just how much caffeine consumption can impact sleep. We explore the reasons behind the current global sleep-loss epidemic and how sleep deprivation can affect every aspect of our health – from our blood sugar levels and our risk of heart attack to our mental health. Finally, we discuss alcohol’s impact on sleep and the staggering financial costs associated with lost sleep. Matthew also shares what he has changed in his own life since starting his research. This is an invaluable conversation – I hope you enjoy it!

Please note: Matthew has agreed to do a follow-up podcast to answer any questions you may still have about sleep. Listen and let me know which questions you would like me to put to Matthew via my closed Facebook group (Dr Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe), where you can also discuss other podcast episodes and any lifestyle changes that you are trying to make.

Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/70

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.