Lex Fridman Podcast #210 – Matt Walker: Sleep
151 snips
Aug 11, 2021 
Matt Walker, a renowned sleep scientist from Berkeley and author of 'Why We Sleep,' dives into the mysteries of slumber. He discusses the evolutionary significance of sleep, its impact on creativity and memory, and the delicate balance between ambition and rest. Walker shares insights on overcoming insomnia through strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy and the role of dreams in emotional healing. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of sleep and well-being, urging listeners to prioritize quality rest for overall health.
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Sleep Deprivation
- Humans are the only species that deliberately deprive themselves of sleep without biological reason.
- Thus, nature has not developed a backup system for sleep deprivation, unlike for caloric deficit.
Sleep's Evolutionary Importance
- Sleep is present in every species studied, suggesting it's vital and deeply ingrained in evolutionary history.
- Sleep likely evolved alongside life itself, highlighting its fundamental importance.
Consciousness as a Spectrum
- Consciousness exists on a spectrum, not as separate binary states like awake, REM, and non-REM.
- Micro-sleeps, where parts of the brain sleep while awake, illustrate this continuum, particularly impactful for drivers.
