The Matt Walker Podcast

Dr. Matt Walker
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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. #96 - Nine Unknown Functions of Dream Sleep

    1D AGO

    #96 - Nine Unknown Functions of Dream Sleep

    This week, Matt dismantles the myth that REM sleep only benefits the mind by revealing its profound importance for physical health. While deep sleep handles some repair, Matt details how REM is crucial for peak testosterone and growth hormone release, vital for muscle, bone, libido, tissue repair, and metabolism. He explains that REM's characteristic muscle paralysis (atonia) isn't just for safety; it fosters physical recovery by enabling deep muscle relaxation, boosting blood flow, lowering ...

    26 min
  2. Ask Me Anything Part 17: Tracker Accuracy, 3 AM Wake ups, Sleep Onset & More

    APR 14

    Ask Me Anything Part 17: Tracker Accuracy, 3 AM Wake ups, Sleep Onset & More

    In this latest AMA episode, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon tackle even more listener questions regarding any and all aspects of sleep. Today, they discuss sleep tracker accuracy, noting that while nightly data isn't perfect (~75-85% accurate), weekly trends are reliable. Feeling exhausted despite good tracker metrics? Potential causes include fragmented sleep, circadian issues, undiagnosed disorders (like apnea), or tracker-induced anxiety (orthosomnia). Matt and Eti stress consulting a specialis...

    1h 5m
  3. #95 - Circadian Rhythms, Travel, and Athlete Optimization with Dr. Cheri Mah

    APR 7

    #95 - Circadian Rhythms, Travel, and Athlete Optimization with Dr. Cheri Mah

    Dr. Cheri Mah returns to the podcast today to explore a few different topics including how circadian rhythms shape athletic performance. She notes that these 24-hour cycles regulate sleep, hormones, and core temperature, with peak physical capacity often occurring between 4-8 pm—when many world records are set. Dr. Mah also discusses chronotypes, showing how tailoring training to one’s natural rhythm can enhance results. She reveals research on circadian disruption in sports, notably ho...

    1 hr
  4. Clara and the Twilight Garden - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    MAR 24

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

    Find tranquility in a secret setting as Matt guides you through tonight's sleep story set in "The Twilight Garden." Meet Clara, the lamp keeper, who lovingly tends to the hundreds of lanterns that illuminate this hidden haven. On this particular evening, a grieving visitor arrives, seeking solace and a way to remember a lost loved one. As Clara shares the garden's quiet magic and the healing power of light, you'll be enveloped in the garden's peaceful atmosphere, filled with the scent of lave...

    22 min
  5. #94 - Dream Sleep for the Body

    MAR 17

    #94 - Dream Sleep for the Body

    In today’s episode, Matt challenges the notion that REM sleep is solely for the brain, revealing its broad impact on physical health. He delves into REM's role in regulating testosterone and growth hormone, crucial for muscle function. Our host also highlights how REM aids muscle recovery via paralysis, boosting blood flow and supporting protein synthesis. Beyond muscles, Matt explores REM's effects on temperature regulation and heart health by boosting heart rate variability and promoting st...

    29 min
  6. Ask Me Anything Part 16 - Dream Time, Circadian Changes, & Night Sweats

    MAR 10

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

    Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon team up to answer more audience questions today, and begin by delving into the subjective experience of time during dreams, exploring how our perception stretches and compresses during REM sleep and whether we can hack our dreams. They also explain the cognitive, emotional, hormonal, and immunological consequences of pulling an all-nighter, highlighting the dramatic impact on memory consolidation, stress hormones, appetite regulation, and immune function. The cardio...

    52 min
  7. #93 - Sleeping Pills and their Alternatives with Dr. Ranji Varghese

    MAR 3

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

    Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Ranji Varghese back to the podcast today to complete the whole sleeping pill story by discussing newer sleeping pills, beyond benzos and Z-drugs. Together, they explore Melatonin receptor agonists (like Ramelteon) that signal sleep preparation, unlike sedating GABAergics. They also detail how DORAs inhibit the wakefulness-promoting orexin, how off-label options (ex. trazodone, low-dose doxepin) affect histamine, the risks and benefits of each. Dr. Varghese goes ...

    1 hr
  8. The Archives of Lost Letters - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    FEB 24

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

    Escape into a world of untold stories with Matt as he guides you through tonight's sleep story set in "The Archive of Lost Letters." Meet Stephanie, the archivist, who tends to letters never sent, filled with unspoken confessions and unshared truths. Tonight, a visitor arrives, searching for a lost piece of himself. As Stephanie helps him uncover a forgotten letter, you'll be enveloped in the library's quiet atmosphere, filled with the scent of old parchment and the weight of unspoken words. ...

    16 min
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4.9
out of 5
857 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
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Matt Walker Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Matt Walker Podcast

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