logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
50m 1s

Ask Me Anything Part 18: From Phone Radi...

DR. MATT WALKER
About this episode

Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simone are back again today to answer even more of your brilliant sleep questions! They begin by discussing smartphones, noting that the direct EMF impact on brainwaves is debatable, but that psychological activation and blue light are known disruptors. Moving onto naps, Matt explains longer ones can cause "sleep inertia," while short naps (20 mins) can be beneficial, unless insomnia is present.

They then examine the full moon's debated effect on sleep, and how it is possibly obscured by modern lighting. Sleep paralysis is then explained as consciousness returning before REM sleep's muscle atonia ends, while "hypnic jerks" (jolts while falling asleep) are described as the brain misinterpreting muscle relaxation as falling. Finally, they explain that waking with an "earworm" is linked to memory consolidation and active music-processing brain areas during REM sleep.

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.

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 protein. Ready to experience the Puori difference? Matt’s listeners get 20% off, so visit puori.com/mattwalker today!

Matt’s good friend Dr. Peter Attia has helped develop David, a revolutionary new protein bar, and a sponsor of today’s episode! 28g of protein, 0g sugar, only 150 calories – the best ratio EVER! Amazing taste, six flavors, incredibly satiating, and a great source of the protein that helps build muscle, manage metabolic health, and keep you full. Visit davidprotein.com/mattwalker now for an amazing deal: Buy 4 cartons, and get a 5th FREE! . Hurry! Your new favorite protein bar awaits!

Having personally used and purchased AG1 for over four years, Matt encourages you to try the new AG1 Next Gen formula with upgraded probiotics plus additional vitamins and minerals. Backed by 4 human clinical trials demonstrating a boost in healthy gut bacteria, AG1 continuously adapts to the latest science. Subscribe today and receive a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 welcome kit, and 5 upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. Visit drinkag1.com/mattwalker to learn more and get started on your health journey.

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt or Eti:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomatmattwalker9299

Eti: X @etoosh, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eti_bensimon/,  or email at etoosh@gmail.com



Up next
Oct 6
#109 - How to Get More REM Sleep
Matt takes a deep dive into REM sleep this week, highlighting methods to enhance this vital stage for emotional regulation and creativity. Detailing pharmacological approaches, he focuses on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and how medications like donepezil and modern DORAs ca ... Show More
51m 42s
Sep 29
Cozy Cabin Retreat: A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
In this soothing episode, Matt guides you on your personal sleep story towards deep, restorative rest. He invites you to find comfort and release the day's worries through intentional breathing, transporting you to a cozy, imagined haven bathed in soft lights and calming aromas. ... Show More
29m 58s
Sep 22
#108 Implanting False Memories Into Your Brain
In this week’s episode, Matt Walker explores memory's astonishing malleability, challenging the belief that recollections are fixed. He highlights Loftus's car crash study, showing how subtle language altered speed memories and implanted false details, and reviews the "Lost in th ... Show More
24m 57s
Recommended Episodes
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
Dec 2024
#883 - Dr Matthew Walker - The Science Of Perfect Sleep
Dr. Matthew Walker is a neuroscientist, professor at UC Berkley, and author. Many of the mental and physical challenges you might be facing could have a surprisingly simple solution: more sleep. But why is sleep so essential? What happens when we sleep, and how can we optimize ou ... Show More
2h 43m
Oct 2024
2452: The Hidden Hormone That is Disrupting Your Sleep With Dr. Stephen Cabral
 The Hidden Hormone that is Disrupting Your Sleep with Dr. Stephen Cabral The 4 stages of sleep and how you can get deeper in them. (1:31) What sleep “aides” impact sleep the most? (7:55) The best tracking devices. (9:09) What are the most common reasons why people have sleep iss ... Show More
47m 18s
Sep 16
Unlocking the Secrets to Better Sleep: What You Need to Know with Diane Macedo
In this episode, Diane Macedo unlocks the secrets to better sleep as she shares what you need to know. From her personal experiences with sleep challenges, she shares something counterintuitive: how sleep isn't something we do, it's something that happens when we stop trying so h ... Show More
1h 1m
Sep 2024
TMHS 829 - Do THIS at Night To Get Deeper Sleep & Transform Your Body
Sleep is a critical pillar of human health. Getting a good night of sleep is an important input for your mood, brain health, gut, and so much more. And luckily, learning how to optimize your sleep is simple when you understand the key behaviors that impact your biology. Today you ... Show More
1h 18m
Nov 2024
My Top Tips for a Better, More Restful Night’s Sleep | Dr. Mark Hyman
Forget counting sheep—let’s talk about the simple and scientifically-proven tweaks that’ll have you sleeping like a pro. In this episode, I’m revealing my personal routine that turned my restless nights into deep, uninterrupted sleep. Learn how to fix those sneaky issues like blo ... Show More
27m 51s
Feb 2024
223 - Bonus: Try This Bedtime Drink to Lower Stress Hormones and Improve Sleep
Want to try my nervous system nightcap?  For the last few months, I’ve been sipping this simple recipe about 30 minutes before I go to bed and it's been a game-changer in helping me get quality sleep and have more energy during the day. So, of course, I wanted to share it wi ... Show More
7m 49s
Dec 2024
How to Get the Best Sleep of Your Life & How to be Gracefully Assertive - SYSK Choice
For years, mattresses and pillows carried a warning tag that said “Warning: Do Not Remove This Tag Under Penalty of Law”. Although they have softened the language a bit, there is still a warning. So why does anyone care if you remove the tag on your own pillow? This episode begin ... Show More
50m 27s
Sep 25
How to Calm Catecholamines for Deeper Sleep
Do you ever feel wired, anxious, or restless at night even when you’re exhausted? The reason often comes down to catecholamines, the stimulating brain chemicals (dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline) that keep your mind and body in overdrive. While these neurotransmitters are ... Show More
13m 28s