The Matt Walker Podcast
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.
Podcasting since 2021 • 158 episodes
The Matt Walker Podcast
Latest Episodes
Ask Me Anything Part 25: Sleep Talking, Long Covid, CBD/CBN, and Bedroom Environment
Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon begin their latest AMA by exploring somniloquy as fragmented noise within Stage 2 NREM sleep. They distinguish these vocalizations from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, where the brain’s paralysis mechanism fails. The ...
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40:01
#123 - Sleep & the Microbiome
Matt explores a revolutionary shift in sleep science, identifying the gut microbiome as a secondary control center for rest. He elucidates the bidirectional gut-brain axis, where the Vagus nerve connects trillions of microorganisms to the br...
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29:24
#122 - Exercise vs. Insomnia
Examining the $107B burden of insomnia and its link to a 45% increase in cardiovascular risk, Matt dissects a landmark study of 1,348 participants proving that movement is a potent clinical tool. He also explains how yoga adds nearly two hou...
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30:26
#121 - A Practical Guide To Insomnia
Matt delves into insomnia, defining it as a persistent struggle to sleep despite having the opportunity. He presents "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia" (CBTI) as the scientifically validated gold standard, and details the five pilla...
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23:52
Ask Me Anything Part 24: Tinnitus, SAD, Sleep Divorce, and Vaccines
Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon return with another AMA episode where they answer such listener questions as how sleep loss amplifies tinnitus and how Seasonal Affective Disorder impacts circadian rhythm. They also reveal that sleep restriction s...
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49:38