

Why Am I Always Tired with Harvard Sleep Professor Frank Scheer
9 snips Jun 24, 2024
In a captivating discussion, Frank Scheer, a Harvard Medical School professor and chronobiology expert, sheds light on the complex world of sleep. He explains why the quality of our sleep matters just as much as the quantity. Discover the crucial roles of different sleep phases, and how caffeine, alcohol, and even alarms can disrupt our rest. Scheer also highlights practical strategies for improving sleep, like effective napping and managing light exposure, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your day.
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Evolution Shows Sleep Is Vital
- Sleep is essential for survival despite its vulnerability and time cost.
- It supports numerous bodily and mental functions across various phases.
Sleep Phases Support Different Functions
- Sleep cycles alternate between non-REM and REM stages throughout the night.
- Non-REM supports concrete learning; REM enhances associative insights and dreaming.
Avoid Stimulants and Use CBTI
- Avoid caffeine after lunch and alcohol before bedtime to protect sleep quality.
- Sleeping pills should be a last resort; try cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia first.