The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body · Matt is 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.
Today
#155 - Sleep & Nature's Call
Matt explores nocturia, the clinical condition of waking at night to urinate, challenging the assumption that the bladder is solely at fault. Using a measuring jug to illustrate bladder capacity, Matt explains that the bladder is usually just a messenger. He details how age-relat ... Show More
28m 12s
Oct 5
#154 - Sleep and Cortisol
Delving into the science of cortisol, Matt debunks its social media reputation as a toxic villain. He explains how this essential hormone actually regulates metabolism, immunity, and survival. He also unpacks the healthy "Cortisol Awakening Response" that prepares us for the day ... Show More
28m 40s
Sep 28
#153- Sleeping in an MRI Machine
Today’s episode explores how scientists study the sleeping brain inside a roaring, 111-decibel MRI scanner. Despite the extreme noise and discomfort, researchers use sleep deprivation, earplugs, and clever audio-filtering tricks to capture the mind drifting off. These small but g ... Show More
24m 39s
Aug 2021
The Science & Practice of Perfecting Your Sleep | Dr. Matt Walker
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Matt Walker, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology and the Founder & Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He is also the author of the international best-selling book Why We Sleep and ... Show More
3h 1m
Jul 2021
Sleep, with Dr Matthew Walker
Dr Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience, tells us about how sleep evolved and what happens when we don’t get enough.
Once you’ve mastered the basics with Instant Genius, dive deeper with Instant Genius Extra, where you’ll find longer, richer discussions about the most exciti ... Show More
31m 7s
Feb 2022
#131 Matthew Walker: The Power of Sleep
Renowned sleep scientist Matthew Walker discusses everything you need to know about what a better night’s sleep can do for your life, and how to prioritize and perfect the way you sleep. Walker breaks down how to identify when you need more sleep, how to deal with insomnia, the b ... Show More
1h 54m
Jun 2025
Essentials: The Science & Practice of Perfecting Your Sleep
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode my guest is Dr. Matt Walker, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and host of The Matt Walker Podcast, which focuses on the science and impact of sleep. We explore the importance of sleep a ... Show More
41m 2s
Apr 2025
Sleep Scientist: This Is What Poor Sleep Really Does to Your Body and Brain w/ Matt Walker | EP #167
In this episode, recorded at the 2025 Abundance Summit, Matt and Peter discuss the importance of sleep, tips for falling back asleep, and a deep dive into Peter’s sleep patterns. Recorded on March 12th, 2025 Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice. Matt ... Show More
31m 32s