The Matt Walker Podcast

Dr. Matt Walker
  • 4.7 (10)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
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. Ask Me Anything Part 14: Sleep, AI, Space, and Superpowers

    16 HRS AGO

    Ask Me Anything Part 14: Sleep, AI, Space, and Superpowers

    In his latest "Ask Me Anything" episode, Matt is once again joined by Dr. Eti Ben Simon to respond to a variety of audience questions, beginning with the role of AI in sleep medicine. Together, they explore how AI is currently being used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of sleep stage scoring, and how it shows promise in diagnosing sleep apnea and personalizing treatment plans. Matt highlights the potential for AI to integrate with smart home technology and predict an individual's risk ...

    56 min
  2. #89 - Does Catch-up Sleep Work?

    6 JAN

    #89 - Does Catch-up Sleep Work?

    Welcome back to a new episode of the Matt Walker Podcast, where we revisit the often-discussed topic of catch-up sleep. We delve into the complexities of weekend catch-up sleep, exploring a recent study of 91,000 participants that suggests a potential link between compensatory weekend sleep and a reduced risk of heart disease. While this news offers a glimmer of hope, it's crucial to understand this benefit within the context of existing research. Studies like that of Dr. Ken Wright at ...

    30 min
  3. #88 - Sleep & Sleeping Pills with Dr. Ranji Varghese

    23/12/2024

    #88 - Sleep & Sleeping Pills with Dr. Ranji Varghese

    Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Ranji Varghese to the podcast this week for an in-depth conversation about sleep and prescription sleeping pills. A psychiatrist specializing in sleep medicine, Dr. Varghese begins by discussing his entry into the field which was sparked by a fascination with sleep and wake circadian rhythms. He goes on to highlight the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorder Center's focus on parasomnias, particularly REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, emphasizing the intersection of neuroscienc...

    1h 3m
  4. Beneath a Highland Moon - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    16/12/2024

    Beneath a Highland Moon - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    Embark on a calming journey to the Scottish Highlands in tonight's sleep story. Join Matt as he guides you through a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, sparkling lochs, and fragrant valleys. Let the soothing sounds of nature and the peaceful imagery lull you into a deep, restful sleep. This immersive experience is designed to ease your mind and help you unwind after a long day.Tonight's story offers a sanctuary from the whirlwind of everyday life, allowing you to release your worries and em...

    23 min
  5. #87 - Sleep, Trauma Memories, AI & Memory Hacks, with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    09/12/2024

    #87 - Sleep, Trauma Memories, AI & Memory Hacks, with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    Dr. Charan Ranganath returns to explore the complexities of human memory with Matt here today. Together, they delve into memory's architecture, examining how sleep, trauma, and AI impact its function. The discussion covers episodic and semantic memory, emphasizing the role of sleep in memory consolidation and challenging the traditional "archive" model with Dr. Ranganath proposing a dynamic web of interconnected associations instead. The conversation then shifts to trauma's effects, focu...

    50 min
  6. Ask Me Anything Part 13: Circadian Rhythms, Biphasic Sleep, Gut Health, and Animal Sleep Secrets

    02/12/2024

    Ask Me Anything Part 13: Circadian Rhythms, Biphasic Sleep, Gut Health, and Animal Sleep Secrets

    Matt and Eti’s latest AMA episode begins with an exploration of the fascinating relationship between circadian rhythms and medication effectiveness. Discover how this internal 24-hour clock influences drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, impacting treatment outcomes. The episode then delves into chronotherapy, revealing how timing can optimize medication efficacy and minimize side effects for conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Together, our hos...

    56 min
  7. #86 - Sleeping Pills & Weight Loss

    25/11/2024

    #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
  8. Starlight Stroll - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    18/11/2024

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
10 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Matt Walker Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Matt Walker Podcast

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