What's Up Docs? Daily Dose: Sleep Deprivation
5 snips
Jan 16, 2026 
In this discussion, Russell Foster, a prominent Professor of Circadian Neuroscience from the University of Oxford, delves into the fascinating world of sleep. He debunks the rigid 'eight-hour' sleep myth, revealing that historical sleep patterns like segmented sleep offer a broader perspective on rest. Russell reassures listeners that waking in the night is normal and explains how sleep loss can affect mood and even focus. Get ready to rethink your approach to sleep and embrace some unexpected insights!
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Parenting Sleep On The Floor
- Chris describes dozing off on his one-year-old's floor while the child pokes his eye with a thumb.
- He uses this story to illustrate chronic tiredness from parenting and interrupted sleep.
Sleep Isn't Necessarily One Solid Block
- Russell Foster explains human sleep historically was biphasic or polyphasic, not a single uninterrupted block.
- This reframes middle-of-the-night waking as normal rather than a failure requiring panic.
Calmly Manage Night Waking
- If you wake in the night, stay calm and avoid immediately abandoning sleep for screens or tasks.
- Try leaving the bed, listening to music or reading a few pages until you feel sleepy and return to sleep.
