Welcome back to the FlexDiet Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allison Brager, a PhD neuroscientist, CrossFit athlete, and military sleep expert, to unpack everything you need to know about the science of sleep.

We dive deep into the phases of sleep, circadian rhythms, and chronotypes, plus we take a critical look at popular sleep advice—what’s backed by science and what’s just noise? Dr. Brager also shares fascinating insights on sleep in the military, how to optimize recovery for athletes, and the biochemistry behind quality sleep.

Looking for practical strategies and the best sleep supplements to improve your rest? We’ve got you covered.

Sponsors:

Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%
LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com
Dr. Mike's Fitness Insider Newsletter: Sign up for free at https://miketnelson.com/.

Flex 4:

Check out Dr. Brager's top recommendations for sleep supplements: https://miketnelson.com/flex4/

Triphasic 2 book now available!

Go to https://triphasic2.com/

Episode Chapters:

00:51 Deep Dive into Sleep
01:33 Top Sleep Supplements
02:11 Sponsors and Personal Updates
02:56 Conversation with Dr. Allison Braeger
03:32 Teaching at West Point
04:41 Chronotypes and Sleep Advice
09:40 Training and Sleep Optimization
13:48 Impact of Travel on Athletes
26:09 Wearables and Sleep Research
33:22 Intense Competition Experience
34:27 Lab Testing Mishaps
35:03 Competitive Nature in Athletes
36:09 Debating Sleep Stages
39:22 Heart Rate Variability and Sleep
47:00 Challenges in Sleep Research
49:38 Frustrations in Academia
55:50 Alternative Research Paths
56:26 Where to Find More Information

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:

Episode 273: Unlocking Better Sleep: Insights and Strategies from Dr. Chris Perry
Episode 283: Unlocking Better Sleep and Stress Reduction with Dr. Dan Cohen of Soltec Health

Connect with Dr Brager:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjockzzz/
"Meathead Unraveling the Athletic Brain": https://www.amazon.com/Meathead-Unraveling-Athletic-Allison-Brager

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpg
Email: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

Wednesday Q&A: Swollen Lymph Nodes, Sacroiliitis & Exercising After COVID