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The High Performance Podcast

Stephanie Romiszewski: Why You Wake Up at 2am! Sleep Expert on EXACTLY How to Sleep Better (E333)

Mar 6, 2025
Stephanie Romiszewski, a leading Sleep Physiologist and media expert, transforms our understanding of sleep. She reveals why waking up at 2 AM could be linked to internal rhythms rather than lifestyle choices. Stephanie challenges the eight-hour sleep myth, advocating for a consistent wake-up time instead. Practical tips for enhancing sleep quality are discussed, emphasizing the power of simplicity and routine. Listeners gain insights into navigating sleep challenges and the value of recognizing individual sleep needs without overcomplicating their approach.
01:08:34

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Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the homeostatic sleep drive and circadian rhythms is essential for improving sleep quality and overall health.
  • Quality of sleep is more important than quantity, with individualized sleep needs varying from person to person.

Deep dives

Understanding Sleep Mechanisms

There are two primary sleep mechanisms that govern our sleep: the homeostatic sleep drive and circadian rhythms. The homeostatic sleep drive builds up throughout the day and makes us feel sleepy, while circadian rhythms regulate our 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. A consistent morning wake-up time is critical in creating a predictable sleep pressure, which prepares the body for sleep at night. Disruptions to waking times, such as sleeping in or having an inconsistent schedule, can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and maintaining sleep quality.

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