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The Matt Walker Podcast

Latest episodes

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Mar 24, 2025 • 22min

Clara and the Twilight Garden - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

Discover a tranquil sanctuary in a hidden garden where Clara, the Lamp Keeper, tends to enchanting lanterns. A grieving visitor finds solace through shared stories and the healing magic of light. The narrative delves into how art and memory intertwine to cope with loss. As lanterns illuminate the dark, connections forged in grief create a warm atmosphere filled with hope and comfort. Let the soothing cadence of the story guide you into a peaceful sleep, enveloped by the garden's serene beauty.
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23 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 29min

#94 - Dream Sleep for the Body

Discover how REM sleep is crucial not just for the brain, but for your entire body! It regulates testosterone and growth hormones essential for muscle function and recovery. Learn how REM sleep boosts blood flow for muscle recovery and aids in temperature regulation. The surprising benefits extend to heart health, stress resilience, and even reproductive and immune functions. Prioritizing REM sleep can enhance your overall well-being, making it a key player in a thriving, resilient body.
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27 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 52min

Ask Me Anything Part 16 - Dream Time, Circadian Changes, & Night Sweats

The hosts dive into how our perception of time shifts during dreams, highlighting the fascinating effects of REM sleep. They candidly discuss the severe consequences of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions, and its hidden impacts on health and productivity. The societal preference for morning people gets scrutinized, presenting a case for the often-misunderstood night owls. The episode also addresses the common issue of night sweats, unraveling its causes and its connection to sleep quality. It's a captivating exploration of the complexities surrounding our sleep!
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37 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h

#93 - Sleeping Pills and their Alternatives with Dr. Ranji Varghese

Dr. Ranji Varghese, an expert in sleep medicine, returns to discuss the nuances of sleeping pills. He highlights the effectiveness and mechanisms of newer alternatives like melatonin receptor agonists and DORAs, contrasting them with traditional options. The chat covers side effects, the importance of cautious use, and the role of CBTI in treating chronic insomnia. Dr. Varghese emphasizes that sleeping pills should be seen as tools rather than cures, advocating for open communication with doctors to tailor treatment safely.
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Feb 24, 2025 • 16min

The Archives of Lost Letters - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

Dive into a mystical library where untold stories await! Follow Stephanie, an archivist, as she encounters a visitor searching for a long-lost letter. Their journey reveals the power of unspoken feelings and the emotional weight of words never shared. The quiet atmosphere, filled with the scent of old parchment, invites you to relax and reflect. Let the soothing cadence of the narrative guide you to a peaceful night's sleep, filled with rediscovered emotions and the comfort of letting go.
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57 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 23min

#92 - The Healing Powers of Sleep

Dive into the fascinating world of dreams and their surprising role in emotional healing. Discover how REM sleep can ease traumatic memories and foster creativity. Recent research sheds light on dreaming's ability to help us handle painful experiences and even discard unwanted memories. The importance of the infralimbic cortex in processing fears during REM sleep is explored, revealing its connection to mental well-being. This insightful discussion showcases how restful nights may lead to brighter days.
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49 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 10min

Ask Me Anything Part 15: Beauty Sleep, Naps, 3 AM Wake-Ups & Axl Rose with Dr. Eti Ben Simon

In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle the fascinating link between sleep and beauty, revealing how a good night's rest affects skin health and attractiveness. They dive into the cognitive perks of napping, emphasizing its power to enhance memory and creativity. The brain's surprising activity during sleep is explored, highlighting its responsiveness to familiar sounds. Strategies to manage pesky 3 AM awakenings are shared, alongside insights into sleep debt's wide-ranging impacts on health and well-being. Fun anecdotes add a lively twist to this informative session!
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24 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 39min

#91 - Sleep, Ambien, Memory, and Alzheimer's

Discover the science behind Ambien and its influence on sleep and memory. Learn how this popular sedative targets brain receptors but may impair memory consolidation by 50%. The conversation highlights its effects on the glymphatic system, crucial for clearing waste in the brain. Reduced efficiency in this system could hinder the elimination of proteins linked to Alzheimer's. Explore healthier alternatives for sleep issues, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which promote long-term brain health without compromising neural function.
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4 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 23min

The Evergreen Express - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

Experience a calming late-night train journey with conductor Charlie and a weary passenger named Helen. Their gentle interactions promote reflection and self-discovery. Through soothing storytelling, listeners are invited to find solace and clarity, leading to a peaceful state of mind. Plus, there’s a nod to clean and trustworthy protein shakes, emphasizing health and quality. Enjoy the comforting atmosphere that could just lull you to sleep!
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27 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 9min

#90 - Sleep as Fuel for Athletes with Dr. Cheri Mah

Dr. Cheri Mah is a renowned sleep scientist from Stanford University, known for her groundbreaking research on sleep's impact on athletic performance. In this engaging conversation, she shares how extra sleep significantly improved shooting accuracy in college basketball players. Dr. Mah tackles common sleep challenges athletes face, such as racing thoughts and travel disruptions, while offering practical strategies for better rest. She also underscores the hidden effects of sleep disorders like sleep apnea on performance, making a compelling case for sleep as an essential part of training.

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