The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill 420. The Sleep Science That Separates Elite Performers with Dr. Michael Breus
You can outwork a lot of things, but you can’t outwork bad sleep.
In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with Dr. Michael Breus, renowned clinical psychologist and sleep expert, to break down the science, strategy, and psychology behind truly restorative sleep. From understanding your body’s nightly repair cycle to optimizing your environment for peak recovery, this conversation is a masterclass in reclaiming your energy, focus, and longevity.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why sleep impacts every organ system — and how your body repairs physical and emotional stress while you rest
- How to determine your optimal sleep amount (and whether you’re actually getting enough)
- What it takes to create a truly high-performance sleep environment and avoid the traps that wreck recovery
If you want to win tomorrow, it starts with how you recover tonight.
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Show Notes:
02:57 — Sleep 101: what deep sleep and REM actually do (physical repair vs. emotional “metabolism”) and why the glymphatic system matters.
10:26 — There’s no one-size-fits-all “optimal” sleep — how to know your right amount and when low sleep becomes a red flag for underlying disorders.
15:16 — Sleep debt and social jet lag: when catching up works (teens) and when it backfires for adults.
18:06 — The “napa-latte” and smart napping: how to use short naps and caffeine to survive a bad night without sabotaging the next one.
20:02 — The sleep system audit: mattress, pillow, air quality, light, sound, and temperature — the practical adjustments that move the needle.
29:29 — Which gadgets help vs. harm: why mouth tape is dangerous, when nasal dilators work, and the limits of sleep trackers.
32:34 — Alcohol and meal timing: how much, how early, and the three-hour rule to protect your deep sleep.
39:00 — Caffeine and cannabis timing: caffeine’s half-life, green tea/matcha alternatives, and how THC/CBD impact REM and HRV.
45:06 — Supplements decoded: magnesium, vitamin D, and why most people don’t need nightly melatonin — plus important dosing pitfalls.
51:09 — Creatine and sleep deprivation: what current research actually supports (and what it doesn’t).
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Links & Resources:
- Dr. Michael Breus
- Sleep, Drink, Breathe: Simple Daily Habits for Profound Long-Term Health by Dr. Michael Breus
- Orion Sleep
- Oura Ring
- WHOOP Strap
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Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more.
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If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
- 399. AMMA — Why Sleep and Nutrition Are Secret Weapons for Scaling Firms
- 396. Why High Performers Can’t Afford to Ignore Wellness with Dr. Taz Bhatia
- 125. Health Hackers: Mastering Habits to Operate at Peak Performance