The Matt Walker Podcast

Dr. Matt Walker
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MEDICINE
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS
The Matt Walker Podcast

The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body. Matt is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of the book, Why We Sleep and has given a few TED talks. Matt is an awkward British nerd who adores science and the communication of science to the public. 

  1. #86 - Sleeping Pills & Weight Loss

    2 DAYS AGO

    #86 - Sleeping Pills & Weight Loss

    Join Matt today as he explores the fascinating intersection of sleep, metabolism, and weight management, delving into the science of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). This episode dissects a groundbreaking study on suvorexant (Belsomra), an FDA-approved insomnia medication, and its potential to enhance fat burning during sleep. Matt unpacks the role of orexin, a neuropeptide crucial for wakefulness, and explains how DORAs work by targeting orexin receptors to promote natural sleep.&nb...

    25 min
  2. Starlight Stroll - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    18 NOV

    Starlight Stroll - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    Escape the everyday and drift off to dreamland with Matt’s guided sleep story. Together, we'll journey through tranquil landscapes, from moonlit valleys to sun-dappled forests, letting the soothing sounds and imagery lull you into a peaceful slumber. This is a sleep story designed to ease your mind and gently guide you into a deep, restful sleep. If you find yourself struggling to unwind after a long day, allow this narrative to transport you to a place of tranquility and calm. Release your w...

    24 min
  3. #85 - The Power and Limits of Memory with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    11 NOV

    #85 - The Power and Limits of Memory with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    Matt dives deep into the science of memory with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath, author of Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold On to What Matters in today’s episode. Together, they explore the complex relationship between memory and the brain, touching on the roles of emotional significance, context, and even neuromodulators like dopamine in helping our brains decide which memories to retain and which to discard. Dr. Ranganath shares his unique journey into mem...

    52 min
  4. Ask Me Anything Part 12 - Meds, Pets, Sleeping Naked, and So Much More with Dr. Eti Ben Simon

    4 NOV

    Ask Me Anything Part 12 - Meds, Pets, Sleeping Naked, and So Much More with Dr. Eti Ben Simon

    In Matt’s latest installment of his "Ask Me Anything" series, he once again joins forces with Dr. Eti Ben Simon to address a wide spectrum of listener questions. Beginning with a dive into the fascinating connections between sleep and medication effects, they unpack the ways various medications can impact sleep quality and patterns, from increasing alertness to potentially triggering vivid dreams or insomnia. Eti also brings a unique perspective on how different medications influence REM slee...

    1h 4m
  5. #84 - Sleep & Narcolepsy

    28 OCT

    #84 - Sleep & Narcolepsy

    Matt returns this week to unpack the complexities of narcolepsy, a neurological sleep disorder often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. He starts by defining narcolepsy, explaining its profound impact on brain and body functioning and its chronic nature, which often diminishes patients' quality of life. Narcolepsy affects about 1 in every 2,000 people, yet most go undiagnosed due to limited awareness and medical training on sleep disorders. With a closer look at the causes, Matt explores how the...

    44 min
  6. #83 - Sleeping Separate vs. Your Relationship

    14 OCT

    #83 - Sleeping Separate vs. Your Relationship

    Matt revisits the concept of "sleep divorce," or "sleep separation" in this latest episode, examining its effects on relationships and well-being. He cites studies showing that up to one in four couples in the U.S. and U.K. sleep in separate rooms, a statistic often underestimated due to stigma. While many fear that sleeping apart harms intimacy, Matt presents data indicating that it can actually enhance sleep quality and intimacy by promoting better-rested bodies and increasing hormones like...

    39 min
  7. Ask Me Anything Part 11 - Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, and False Awakenings

    7 OCT

    Ask Me Anything Part 11 - Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, and False Awakenings

    Matt and Eti return today for another AMA session where they dive into even more fascinating and often quirky sleep questions that have been submitted by listeners. In this installment, our duo explores the evolutionary puzzle of why we sleep, despite the apparent risks it poses for survival. They also share insights into how early organisms, like earthworms, exhibit sleep-like states, which raises the question: did wakefulness evolve from sleep?As the episode continues, the pair tackle pract...

    59 min
  8. #82 - Sleep and ADHD with Dr. Jessica Lunsford-Avery

    23 SEPT

    #82 - Sleep and ADHD with Dr. Jessica Lunsford-Avery

    Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Jessica Lunsford-Avery, an Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University to the podcast today. Dr. Lunsford-Avery, a clinical psychologist, delves into the crucial link between sleep and mental health in children with ADHD. Her groundbreaking research explores how sleep impacts daytime impairment in ADHD, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapies to improve both sleep quality and ADHD symptoms. Their discussion highlights the critical n...

    1h 14m
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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body. Matt is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of the book, Why We Sleep and has given a few TED talks. Matt is an awkward British nerd who adores science and the communication of science to the public. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Matt Walker
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Matt Walker Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Matt Walker Podcast

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