The Matt Walker Podcast

The Matt Walker Podcast 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.

01/10/2026

A recent study indicates that standard melatonin doses (2-3mg) taken shortly before bed have no impact on sleep. However, 4mg taken 3 hours prior improved sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin shows no benefit for insomnia and high doses may cause morning drowsiness.

01/10/2026

Taking melatonin? A new study suggests you might be doing it wrong. Standard doses taken shortly before bed showed no impact. But 4mg, 3 hours before bed, improved sleep. Importantly, melatonin doesn't help insomnia. Take less, earlier, and skip it if you have insomnia.

01/07/2026

Recent studies suggest ADHD involves mismatched circadian rhythms, not just attention. Melatonin and cortisol release are delayed, impacting wakefulness and focus. Asking ADHD children to function early is like asking others to wake at 4 AM. This explains morning struggles and melatonin's benefits.

01/03/2026

A recent study of over 11 million individuals reveals a significant link between undiagnosed sleep apnea and Parkinson's disease. The research demonstrates a 100% increased risk for Parkinson's in those with untreated sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and CPAP treatment showed a 30% reduction in risk.

12/27/2025

New research suggests insufficient sleep is a potent predictor of lifespan, second only to smoking. Analysis of CDC data across thousands of individuals revealed that sleep deprivation's impact 'dwarfed' that of poor diet or inactivity. Even 6-7 hours of sleep reduced lifespan by 7%.

12/22/2025

A recent study analyzing 20 randomized control trials reveals that standard melatonin recommendations (2-3mg, 30-60 minutes before bed) show no effect on sleep. However, ~0.4mg taken 3 hours prior may improve sleep for non-insomniacs. Insomnia sufferers see no benefit. Consult your physician.

12/15/2025

Part 3 of sleep tracking series: regularity and timing. Regularity means consistent sleep/wake times (±15 mins). Timing refers to your genetically-determined chronotype. Aligning sleep with your chronotype significantly improves sleep quantity and quality. Keep consistent bedtime and wake time.

12/12/2025

This is part 2 of a 4-part guide on interpreting sleep tracking data. This segment focuses on sleep quality, measured in two ways: sleep efficiency (aim for 85% or higher) and sleep continuity (long, continuous bouts of sleep).

12/09/2025

Confused by your sleep tracker? This is part 1 of 4 on interpreting the data. Learn the difference between time in bed vs. total sleep, and understand REM & deep sleep percentages for your age range. Manage expectations and optimize your rest!

12/02/2025

Followers asked about DORAs (D-O-R-A-s), a new class of sleep meds. These drugs dial down wakefulness and allow more natural sleep. Tentative studies suggest they may reduce Alzheimer's burden by accelerating the glymphatic system. They also lower the firing rate of neurons. Remember, first-line treatment is CBT-I.

11/28/2025

Last night, during dream sleep, you hallucinated, held impossible beliefs, and lost track of time and place. You also experienced wild emotions and woke with amnesia. Are we all a little psychotic each night?

11/22/2025

During deep sleep, the brain flushes out metabolic toxins like beta amyloid and tau protein, key culprits in Alzheimer's. Research shows a new class of sleep medication isn't just 'junk sleep'—it actively cleanses these toxins. This is groundbreaking.

Address

Ottawa, ON

Telephone

+16138161788

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Matt Walker Podcast posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Matt Walker Podcast:

Shortcuts

Share

Category