The Matt Walker Podcast  By  cover art

The Matt Walker Podcast

By: Dr. Matt Walker
  • Summary

  • 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.

    © 2024 The Matt Walker Podcast
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Episodes
  • #77 - Sleep & CBD
    Jul 1 2024

    Matt continues his series on the impact of cannabis, THC, and CBD upon sleep this week with an examination into the intricacies of cannabidiol (CBD), which, unlike its psychoactive counterpart THC, does not induce a high but is recognized for its potential therapeutic effects. While studies suggest that CBD may aid in alleviating anxiety, movement disorders, pain, and addiction, in this episode, our host focuses on exploring CBD's potential influence on sleep quality while examining its biochemistry and neurobiology.

    Matt explains that CBD modulates the body's endocannabinoid system without directly binding to cannabinoid receptors like CB1 and CB2, which THC targets. Instead, CBD enhances the activity of natural endocannabinoids, extending their effectiveness. This modulation can promote sleep by increasing deep non-REM sleep, as demonstrated in both animal and human studies. Despite these promising results, Matt emphasizes that the effects of CBD on sleep are complex and dose-dependent, with higher doses showing potential benefits.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

    Are sleep troubles keeping you up at night? Matt used to be a skeptic about meditation, but 7 years ago, he tried it using a fantastic meditation app called ‘Calm’, and it transformed his sleep! Now, he meditates for 10 minutes before bedtime every night! He’s also partnered with Calm who have been generous enough to offer his podcast listeners an exclusive 40% discount on their premium subscription! All you have to do is go to calm.com/mattwalker and take advantage of this incredible deal! Head on over now and improve your sleep today!

    The good people at InsideTracker are one of the sponsors of this week's episode, and they are generously offering a special 25% off any one of their programs for anyone who uses the above link during the time window of this episode. InsideTracker is a personalized biometric platform that analyzes your blood and your DNA to better understand what's happening inside of you.

    Another exciting sponsor is Levels, the groundbreaking continuous glucose monitor that keeps track of your blood sugar levels day and night. Whether you're curious about your body's response to different foods or seeking to enhance your sleep quality, Levels has the answers. If you’re interested, visit levels.link/Mattwalker now to grab an exclusive podcast offer of two free months of this impactful service, and take charge of your health journey today!

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #76 - Precognitive Dreaming
    Jun 18 2024

    In this week’s intriguing episode, Matt delves into the topic of precognitive dreams, exploring the idea that some people can predict future events through their dreams. He explains that while this concept might seem appealing, it is actually a result of statistical chance. With around 8 billion people in the world each having multiple dreams per night, the sheer number of dreams increases the likelihood of coincidental matches between dreams and real-life events.

    Matt also discusses a groundbreaking study published in the highly respected journal, Nature, which reveals a logical and scientific aspect of future prediction in dreams. The study found that during REM sleep, neurons in the hippocampus not only replay past memories but also simulate and predict future events. This prediction process occurs through sharp wave ripple events, suggesting that our brains use sleep to enhance cognitive function and prepare for future scenarios. This understanding of how sleep aids in memory and future planning highlights the remarkable and scientifically fascinating capabilities of the brain during sleep. Join Matt here today and discover the profound, scientifically grounded ways our brains use sleep to prepare us for the future.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

    Craving top-notch journalism that dives deep into science, health, and much, much more? Today’s episode is sponsored by The Washington Post—your go-to for stellar reporting and utmost integrity. Here’s a scoop just for our listeners: snag the Washington Post for just $0.50/week for an entire year! Dash over to Matt's Special WaPo Offer to grab this sweet deal, and make The Washington Post your news haven for less than the price of a coffee each week.

    The good people at InsideTracker are also one of the sponsors of this week's episode, and they are generously offering a special 25% off any one of their programs for anyone who uses the above link during the time window of this episode. InsideTracker is a personalized biometric platform that analyzes your blood and your DNA to better understand what's happening inside of you and offers suggestions regarding things that you can do to better try and adjust some of those numbers, optimize them, and, as a result, optimize you.

    Another great sponsor of the show is AG1, a comprehensive nutritional drink trusted by thousands worldwide, including Matt! For nearly four years and counting, he has relied on AG1 to fuel his post-workout routine with its powerhouse blend of over 75 essential minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and prebiotics, meticulously crafted to support your daily nutritional needs. AG1 is registered and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, boasting GMP badges for quality assurance. As a special offer for our listeners, when you try AG1, you'll receive a complimentary one-year supply of both Vitamin D and K2, and with your first subscription, you'll also receive five free AG1 travel packs! Visit AG1 to explore AG1's range of offerings and claim your exclusive offer.

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.

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    26 mins
  • AMA Part 7 - Deep Sleep, Alcohol & Anxiety
    Jun 10 2024

    In this 7th installment of their AMA series, Matt Walker and Dr. Eti Ben Simon dive into strategies for improving deep non-REM sleep. They highlight the benefits of vigorous exercise, citing a study by Kaspar Vogt that shows how exercise enhances the quality and stability of deep sleep. Additionally, they discuss how temperature manipulations, like using high heat capacity mattresses, can also improve sleep quality. Interesting insights include findings that intense exercise can improve deep sleep across various age groups, with significant benefits noted in older adults and children.

    The episode also touches on the impact of alcohol, noting that it can be extremely disruptive to sleep. They also go on to explain how stress and anxiety can affect deep sleep by activating the fight-or-flight system and increasing cortisol levels. Our duo discusses various techniques for managing anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, exercise, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation, all of which can significantly reduce anxiety levels and improve sleep quality. Their conversation finishes up by addressing the potential benefits of saunas and hot springs in enhancing sleep, and underscoring the importance of a consistent bedtime routine.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

    One of the podcast’s new sponsors is Levels, the groundbreaking continuous glucose monitor that keeps track of your blood sugar levels day and night. Whether you're curious about your body's response to different foods or seeking to enhance your sleep quality, Levels has the answers. Matt’s been using it for almost 2 years now, and has actually made changes to his diet in response to the powerful individual information Levels provides. If you’re interested, visit levels.link/Mattwalker now to grab an exclusive podcast offer of two free months of this impactful service, and take charge of your health journey today!

    I have to tell you, launching my sleep-related merchandise sales was incredibly smooth, thanks to our new sponsor Shopify and their integrated sales and inventory system. And now, just for you, Shopify is generously offering an exclusive trial at shopify.com/mattwalker. Whether it's online or in-person sales, Shopify simplifies it all. So, be sure to stop in at shopify.com/mattwalker to start your exclusive journey now!

    Craving top-notch journalism that dives deep into science, health, and much, much more? Today’s episode is sponsored by The Washington Post—your go-to for stellar reporting and utmost integrity. Here’s a scoop just for our listeners: snag the Washington Post for just $0.50/week for an entire year! Dash over to Matt's Special WaPo Offer to grab this sweet deal, and make The Washington Post your news haven for less than the price of a coffee each week.

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.

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    1 hr and 6 mins

What listeners say about The Matt Walker Podcast

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Fascinating and well-delivered information!

I am very much enjoying learning more about sleep, and the many ways it can affect us! Thank you for this informative and enjoyable podcast!

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Refreshingly positive and science-based

As I write this review, there are 26 podcasts in the series and they have all been enjoyable, 10-20 minutes in length, science-based, free from profanity, and delivered in a calm, easily understandable manner. Laypersons and scientists alike will enjoy the useful information, and Dr. Walker's passion for communicating it is contagious. He is a gifted educator. Each podcast leaves one feeling empowered with the knowledge of how to support one's own sleep, eager for more episodes, and in a happier mood from his sheer exuberance about the topic. 5 stars!

Updated review: 45 podcasts in and still well worth tuning in. I look forward to each episode (released every 2 weeks), and I hope Dr. Walker continues to share his knowledge and enthusiasm about sleep for a long time coming :) 5 stars!

Congratulations to Dr. Walker on reaching the 50-podcasts milestone--particularly as they remain relevant, educational, and entertaining. I particularly enjoy the new format, called "Hot Off the Press", in which current research findings on a topic are discussed in a manner we all can understand and enjoy. I can honestly say that I look forward to each new episode, even after 2 years of listening :)

Updated review: 67 podcasts along and I still look forward to each new one to learn more about sleep. I enjoy the single-topic ones and the guest/Ask-Me-Anything ones. It remains positive and science-based format, which is a refreshing change from much of what is out on the Internet and airwaves nowadays. I look forward to learning more in the coming episodes, and I appreciate all the hard work going into them.

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