Making Sense with Sam Harris #267 — The Kingdom of Sleep
8 snips
Nov 10, 2021 
In this conversation, Matthew Walker, a neuroscience and psychology professor at UC Berkeley and author of *Why We Sleep*, dives deep into the science of sleep. He explains the crucial role sleep plays in our overall health, linking poor sleep to diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. They explore the evolutionary origins of sleep and the importance of sleep hygiene. Walker also discusses the myths surrounding short sleepers and addresses the connection between sleep and mental health, including the therapeutic aspects of dreams.
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Sleep Regularity
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, to improve sleep quality.
- Use a "to-bed" alarm alongside your wake-up alarm for consistency.
Temperature's Role in Waking
- Temperature, not light, is the primary trigger for waking up.
- Hunter-gatherer tribes often wake up before dawn due to rising temperatures.
Light and Temperature for Sleep
- Use dim light and darkness in the evening to promote earlier sleep times.
- Consider using smart lights and thermostats to create a tailored sleep environment.
