The Matt Walker Podcast

Dr. Matt Walker
  • 4.9 (843)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
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 15: Beauty Sleep, Naps, 3 AM Wake-Ups & Axl Rose with Dr. Eti Ben Simon

    2 DAYS AGO

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

    In their latest AMA episode, Matt and Eti address listener questions ranging from "beauty sleep" to 3 AM awakenings. They explore the scientific evidence supporting sleep's crucial role in skin health and perceived attractiveness, citing studies on the effects of sleep deprivation. The cognitive benefits of napping are discussed, highlighting its ability to enhance learning and memory consolidation. They also delve into the remarkable neural activity of deep non-REM sleep, including synchroni...

    1h 10m
  2. #91 Sleep, Ambien, Memory, and Alzheimer's

    FEB 3

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

    This week, Matt Walker dives into the world of the widely used sleeping pill, Ambien (Zolpidem). He explains how Ambien, a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, works by targeting the brain's GABA receptors, specifically the alpha-1 subunit, to induce sleep. However, this comes with consequences. Matt highlights research by Dr. Marcos Frank showing that Ambien significantly impairs memory consolidation, essentially unwiring the brain's learning processes during sleep by approximately 50%.&nbs...

    39 min
  3. The Evergreen Express - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    JAN 27

    The Evergreen Express - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    Settle into the embrace of your bed, feeling its comforting presence beneath you. This connection anchors you to the present, quieting the mind's chatter and creating a foundation for restful sleep. Tired of untrustworthy protein shakes? Show sponsor Puori prioritizes quality: hormone-free, GMO-free, and pesticide-free. Every batch is third-party tested for 200+ contaminants - you can even scan the QR code for lab results! Matt recommends the addictive dark chocolate flavor with 21g of p...

    23 min
  4. #90 - Sleep as Fuel for Athletes with Dr. Cheri Mah

    JAN 20

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

    Join Matt and renowned sleep scientist Dr. Cheri Mah today as they delve into the crucial connection between sleep and athletic performance. Dr. Mah's groundbreaking research at Stanford, including her famous basketball player sleep extension study (which revealed a 9% improvement in free throws and three-pointers!), demonstrates how prioritizing sleep can significantly enhance athletic abilities. In this fascinating episode, she discusses with Matt how sleep impacts not only physical recover...

    1h 9m
  5. Ask Me Anything Part 14: Sleep, AI, Space, and Superpowers

    JAN 13

    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
  6. #89 - Does Catch-up Sleep Work?

    JAN 6

    #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
  7. #88 - Sleep & Sleeping Pills with Dr. Ranji Varghese

    12/23/2024

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

    12/16/2024

    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
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4.9
out of 5
843 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
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Matt Walker Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Matt Walker Podcast

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