Do you have a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling exhausted?

Sabrina Schielein sits down with Dr. Elie Gottlieb, Lead Applied Sleep Neuroscientist, to discuss the importance of sleep and debunk common myths about sleep and dreams. Dr. Gottlieb explains his background in sleep research and the two main processes that regulate sleep initiation: sleep pressure and the circadian rhythm. They also discuss the effects of sleep deprivation and substances like THC and alcohol on sleep quality.

Dr. Gottlieb addresses the myth that people don't dream sometimes and explains that everyone dreams every night, typically during REM sleep. During REM sleep, the brain is highly active and may be involved in processes like synaptic pruning and emotional regulation.

The two share commonalities in being night owls and the challenges they can face in a society that favors early birds. Dr. Gottlieb uncovers strategies to optimize sleep for night owls, like a nighttime routine, practicing light hygiene, and maintaining a cool and dark sleep environment.

The content on this show should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

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MUSIC:

Produced by Gus Culpo

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:39 Research on Blue Light Blocking Lenses

05:04 Research on Sleep and Alzheimer's Disease

06:02 Addressing Sleep Issues in the General Population

07:00 The Importance of Sleep for Overall Well-being

08:28 The Two Process Model of Sleep

09:53 Sleep Pressure and Adenosine

11:47 The Circadian Rhythm and Light

13:39 The Effects of Social Jet Lag

15:06 The Impact of Sleep on Physical Performance

16:29 Personal Experiences with Sleep Deprivation

19:49 Exploring Lucid Dreaming

21:14 The Effects of THC and Alcohol on Sleep

23:12 The Impact of Lucid Dreaming on Restorative Sleep

24:38 The Challenges of Studying Dreams

25:06 The Mysteries of Dreaming and REM Sleep

27:00 Challenges for Night Owls

33:39 Improving Sleep Quality with Nighttime Routines and Light Hygiene

40:13 Listening to Your Body and Seeking Expert Advice for Better Sleep