The Science of Naps and How Sleep Boosts Memory and Focus - with Professor Gina Poe

“Instead of taking a coffee break, take a nap break!” -Professor Gina Poe

Professor Gina Poe is a world renowned neuroscientist who runs Poe Lab at UCLA, which investigates the role of sleep in learning and memory consolidation.

In this episode I ask Gina about the latest science on how to improve and optimise our sleep - with lots of actionable advice.

Stay tuned to find out:

• How to sleep longer and better
• Why naps are good for you - with strategies on how to nap better
• How a lack of sleep can tank your memory
• How long it should take you to fall asleep
• Whether you should be getting a sleep divorce
• If sleep trackers and wearables help, or hurt - and much more

Highlights

(2:49) How sleep impacts memory

(4:51) Why naps are good for you

(11:49) Optimal napping strategies

(14:10) The stages of sleep

(18:01) How deep sleep affects hormones and memory

(23:09) The glymphatic system explained

(27:01) How to tell you’re getting enough sleep

(29:19) How well do wearables measure sleep?

(32:35) Should you sleep with your pets?

(35:46) The sleep divorce

(37:31) How long should you sleep?

(39:34) Can you sleep too much?

(45:32) Strategies for getting more sleep

(48:09) How quickly should you fall asleep?

(49:34) Cutting edge sleep research and actionable tips

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For more useful science for your everyday life, grab my best selling book “This Book May Save Your Life”: https://geni.us/DrKaranBook

An OG Podcasts production.