Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

What Your Sleep Is Trying To Tell You: How To Fix Your Sleep Problems, Reset Your Brain & The Difference Between Fatigue and Tiredness with Guy Leschziner #528

Feb 26, 2025

In this engaging discussion, neurologist and sleep expert Guy Leschziner dives into the common sleep struggles affecting nearly 40% of adults today. He explains the critical difference between chronic sleep deprivation and clinical insomnia, alongside effective treatments like CBT-I. Leschziner also highlights how lifestyle factors, such as caffeine and blue light exposure, impact sleep quality. With insights on tailored sleep strategies for shift workers and the profound link between societal sleep issues and overall well-being, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking better rest!

01:46:11

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Episode guests

Guy Leschziner

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the difference between chronic sleep deprivation and clinical insomnia is essential for determining the appropriate treatment approach.

Sleep quality is just as important as the quantity of sleep, as many individuals may feel unrested despite enough hours in bed.

Lifestyle factors like caffeine intake, screen time, and exercise timing play a significant role in influencing sleep quality and patterns.

Deep dives

The Epidemic of Sleep Issues

Modern society has experienced a significant rise in sleep disorders, complicating individual health and well-being. Factors such as chronic sleep deprivation and clinical insomnia disrupt not only sleep quality but also affect creativity, empathy, and mood. These issues are often compounded by lifestyle elements, such as excessive caffeine intake and increased screen time, particularly the blue light emitted from devices. The podcast highlights these problems as not merely personal, but societal issues that need collective attention.

Intro

2min

The Spectrum of Sleep

8min

Dreams, Sleep, and Health Insights

19min

Understanding Insomnia: Definition, Distinctions, and Misconceptions

5min

Understanding Sleep: The Complexity of Experience

22min

From Sleep to Sin: Exploring Human Behavior and Experience

1min

The Evolutionary Role of Sloth and Fatigue in Human Health

5min

Understanding Fatigue and Sleep Management

20min

Understanding Sleep and Its Impacts

19min

10.

Exploring the Interconnection of Biology and Behavior

1min

11.

Understanding Sleep: Education and Resources for Better Health

3min

Did you know that up to 40% of adults in Western countries struggle to get enough sleep?

While some societies have historically never even had a word for insomnia, our modern world has created an epidemic of sleep problems, which affect not only our creativity, empathy, appetite and mood but countless other aspects of who we are, too.

This week's guest is Professor Guy Leschziner, a neurologist at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London and a professor of neurology and sleep medicine at King's College London. He is also the author of several books, including The Secret World Of Sleep: Tales of Nightmares and Neuroscience and his latest, Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human.

In this fascinating conversation, we discuss:

The crucial distinction between chronic sleep deprivation and clinical insomnia - understanding which affects you is key to finding the right solution
The importance of sleep quality - not just quantity - and why some people can sleep for hours, yet still feel unrested
An incredible treatment called CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) which has an 80% success rate for insomnia
The real impact of common lifestyle factors on sleep - like caffeine, screen time, and blue light
The pros and cons of sleep trackers
Practical strategies for shift workers - discover how to adapt your sleep schedule if your work includes irregular hours
The fascinating connection between societal sleep deprivation and our collective wellbeing

With over two decades of experience running sleep disorder clinics, Guy brings clarity to the often confusing world of sleep, offering evidence-based insights and practical solutions throughout our conversation.

As he points out, our sleep needs are highly individual, so I hope this episode guides you in finding the approach that works best for you.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/528

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

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