logo
episode-header-image
Today
1h 1m

Ask Me Anything Part 21: Sleep Debt, Sno...

DR. MATT WALKER
About this episode

Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon join forces once again to answer all of your top sleep questions. This time around, they break down the science behind the snooze button, why you might be falling asleep during passive activities like watching TV, and the truth about sleep fads like consuming salt before bed or using "grounding sheets." The episode also explores the frustrating issue of sleep fragmentation - waking up multiple times a night - and why it undermines sleep quality even if you fall back asleep quickly.

Learn how to assess your own sleep quality using key daytime indicators like energy and mood, without needing a tracker. For those struggling with frequent awakenings, discover a powerful, science-backed strategy called "bedtime restructuring" to help consolidate your sleep. The episode concludes with a look at new research on a potential "fail-safe" for sleep induction linked to mitochondrial stress, revealing a new frontier in sleep science.

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.


As a huge supporter of mission-driven companies, Matt recommends new partner Branch Basics. Their plant- and mineral-based ‘The Concentrate’ is tough on kitchen grease yet gentle enough for baby toys, helping you create a toxin-free home. Get 15% off with code MattWalker at branchbasics.com/mattwalker.

Another sponsor, Shopify, made launching Matt's merchandise incredibly smooth with its integrated sales system. Shopify simplifies everything from online stores to in-person sales. Start your exclusive trial and see for yourself at shopify.com/mattwalker.

A third sponsor this week, LMNT, offers a science-based electrolyte drink with no sugar or artificial ingredients. Try their new limited-time Lemonade Salt flavor, available May 20th! Get eight free sample packs with any order at drinklmnt.com/mattwalker. Stock up on this summer flavor while it lasts!

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
Aug 18
#105 - Delta Sleep Inducing Peptides
In this episode, Matt delves into the curious and cautionary tale of Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP), once hailed as a potential miracle cure for insomnia. In the 1970s, researchers were on a quest for a single "somnogenic molecule" that could act as the brain's natural sleep ... Show More
21m 14s
Aug 11
#104 - Humans Can Navigate Like Bats
Matt explores the human capacity for echolocation this week, dismantling the myth that this "biological sonar" is exclusive to animals. Revealing how peer-reviewed research shows all human brains possess the neural hardware to "see" with sound, Matt explains the physics of how so ... Show More
24m 50s
Aug 4
#103 - 172 Diseases, One Hidden (Sleep) Cause?
While we've long been told to focus on the quantity of our sleep, in today’s episode, Matt suggests a paradigm shift in our understanding of sleep health. He argues that the true cornerstone may not be how many hours we get, but the consistency of our sleep schedule. This concept ... Show More
29m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 12
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 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
Jul 2024
Expert Sleep Advice: Napping, Jet Lag, Alarm Clocks, Ozempic & Bedroom Hacks w/ Todd Anderson (Pt 2)
Ep. #115 On today’s episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Todd Anderson is back for part two! Former NFL conditioning coach and sleep optimization expert, the Dream Recovery founder and I had a lot more to discuss. Last time we spoke about the critical nature of quality sleep for our o ... Show More
1h 7m
Jun 2
Sleep Expert Matthew Walker: Do THIS to Sleep Through The Night And Never Wake Up Tired Again
How well did you sleep last night? Do you wake up feeling rested? Today, Jay welcomes renowned neuroscientist, sleep expert, and bestselling author Dr. Matthew Walker to unpack the profound importance of sleep and how it shapes every facet of our health and wellbeing. Bestselling ... Show More
1h 34m
Nov 2024
Essentials: Master Your Sleep & Be More Alert When Awake
This is the second episode of Huberman Lab Essentials — short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. This Essentials episode offers insights into what makes us sleepy, helps us sleep soundly, and fe ... Show More
38m 52s
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