Ask Me Anything Part 13: Circadian Rhythms, Biphasic Sleep, Gut Health, and Animal Sleep Secrets
Description
Matt and Eti’s latest AMA episode begins with an exploration of the fascinating relationship between circadian rhythms and medication effectiveness. Discover how this internal 24-hour clock influences drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, impacting treatment outcomes. The episode then delves into chronotherapy, revealing how timing can optimize medication efficacy and minimize side effects for conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Together, our hosts investigate whether individuals thriving on minimal sleep have a genetic advantage, focusing on the DEC2 gene variant. Additionally, the episode unravels the evolutionary basis of biphasic and segmented sleep, and examines the gut microbiome’s role in sleep regulation, discussing how gut health interventions like probiotics may improve sleep. They go on to explore diverse sleep needs across animal species, gaining insights into sleep's adaptability and importance, and finish up by addressing whether catching up on sleep is truly feasible, analyzing research on sleep deprivation and recovery. Tune in to enhance your understanding of sleep and its profound impact on health.
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.
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Long-time show sponsor LMNT is Matt Walker’s go-to for a sugar-free electrolyte mix. With the perfect electrolyte balance and science-backed formulation, LMNT is a product Matt trusts daily, adding it to his workouts and protein shakes. And now, for a seasonal twist, their Chocolate Medley range is back with flavors like Chocolate Mint and Matt’s favorite, Chocolate Raspberry. Get a free sample pack with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/mattwalker—just use his link to try it yourself!
As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.
Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker or on X @sleepdiplomat
Eti: X @etoosh, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eti_bensimon/, or email at etoosh@gmail.com
Hi, many thanks to you for this wonderful podcast on sleep. I'm currently doing a master thesis on it and I've learned various stuff from you since I started this journey. I have a question.How does thermal sleep environment effects sleep? I tuned up related episode but since this podcast is a popscience podcast unfortunately I couldn't to take details about it. I would love to hear about it in a more detailed podcast or any possible way to discuss about it.