The Matt Walker Podcast
Episodes
#129 - Natural Short Sleepers
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt delves into the fascinating science of "natural short sleepers," the rare 1-3% of the population genetically wired to thrive on just fo...
#128 - Sleep Position
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt reviews Danish neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard's 2013 discovery: during sleep, glial cells shrink, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flush br...
#127 - Non-Restorative Sleep
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt explores the frustrating reality of non-restorative sleep, explaining why up to a third of adults get a full night's rest but wake up exhaus...
#126 - The Coffee Paradox
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Walker investigates the "coffee paradox," revealing how your morning ritual acts as both a health ally and a silent sleep disruptor. Wh...
#125 - Melatonin Explained
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt redefines melatonin as the brain’s "clock whisperer" rather than a sedative, and explains that the hormone signals biological night r...
#124 - Acting Out Dreams
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt delves into the world of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a condition at the frontiers of sleep science. Normally, the brain dreams while atoni...
Ask Me Anything Part 25: Sleep Talking, Long Covid, CBD/CBN, and Bedroom Environment
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon begin their latest AMA by exploring somniloquy as fragmented noise within Stage 2 NREM sleep. They distinguish these vocali...
#123 - Sleep & the Microbiome
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Challenging the long-held assumption that sleep is a dialogue the brain has exclusively with itself, Matt investigates the "gut-brain axis"—...
#122 - Exercise vs. Insomnia
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 pro...
#121 - A Practical Guide To Insomnia
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt delves into insomnia, defining it as a persistent struggle to sleep despite having the opportunity. He presents "Cognitive Behavioral Therap...
Ask Me Anything Part 24:Tinnitus, SAD, Sleep Divorce, and Vaccines
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Seas...
#120 - How Sleep Deprivation Hijacks Your Genetic Code
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Putting sleep deprivation under the microscope yet again, Matt explores our "genetic workforce" of 20,000 genes operating on a precise 24-ho...
The Midnight Bookshop: A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Matt to leave the day’s rush behind. After a brief breathing exercise to settle the mind and body, you will find yourself on a quiet street in ...
#119 - Your Brain On GLP-1s
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring GLP-1 agonists in a new light, Matt examines a review that positions these metabolic hormones as potential brain defenders. He details their...
#118 - A Sleep Medication to Lower the Risk of Alzheimer's
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt examines the critical link between sleep quality and Alzheimer’s pathology. He details the brain's "night shift" - the glymphati...
Ask Me Anything Part 23: The Gut, Grief, Creativity, and Microsleeps
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest AMA episode, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon explore the complex web connecting sleep to our health and daily lives. They investigate the gu...
#117 - Can Creatine & Exercise Overcome Sleep Deprivation?
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt confronts the systemic failure of sleep deprivation, examining its impact on our biological machinery. When sleep is short, the body's "...
#116 - 40 Hz Brain Stimulation
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt ventures into the realm of 40 Hz "gamma" rhythms - the conductor of the biological orchestra during high-order cognition - to explore h...
#115 - Sleep Deprivation for Depression
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The counterintuitive use of sleep deprivation as a rapid treatment for major depression finds itself squarely in Matt’s spotlight today. He begins b...
#114 - How to Boost your HRV
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt delves into Heart Rate Variability (HRV), the subtle variation in timing between each heartbeat. He explains that a healthy heart is like a "...
#113 - Modafinil: An All-Nighter In A Pill?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Diving into the controversial world of Modafinil, the "all-nighter in a pill", Matt begins with the story of Olympic sprinters using the nar...
#112 - How Synesthesia Secretly Shapes Your Reality
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt explores the fascinating world of synesthesia today, challenging the notion that it's a rare quirk by proposing a bold claim: in subtle ways...
#111 - The Price of Sleep
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Framing sleep not as a biological necessity, but as a critical economic asset, Matt reveals that sleep deprivation costs the U.S. economy up to $411 b...
#110 - The Science Behind Wearable Sleep Monitoring
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this user's guide to sleep trackers, learn the science behind how they work using motion and optical sensors as Matt explains the key metrics ...
#109 - How to Get More REM Sleep
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt takes a deep dive into REM sleep this week, highlighting methods to enhance this vital stage for emotional regulation and creativity. Detailing p...
Cozy Cabin Retreat: A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this soothing episode, Matt guides you on your personal sleep story towards deep, restorative rest. He invites you to find comfort and release the ...
#108 Implanting False Memories Into Your Brain
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Matt Walker explores memory's astonishing malleability, challenging the belief that recollections are fixed. He highlig...
#107 - Medicine 3.0 with Dr. Avinish Reddy
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Founder & CEO of Elevated Medical, Dr. Avinish Reddy, joins Matt today on this very special episode to discuss a comprehensive approach to longevi...
Ask Me Anything Part 22: Latitude, Pain Gating, Temperature & Shift Work
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest AMA instalment, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon begin by discussing environmental influences on sleep. The conversation covers how high lati...
#106 - Can A Sleeping Pill Help Fight Alzheimer’s?
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt explores the critical link between sleep and Alzheimer's disease today, explaining how the brain’s "glymphatic system" clears to...
Ask Me Anything Part 21: Sleep Debt, Snooze Button, Naps & Sleep Myths
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#105 - Delta Sleep Inducing Peptides
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#104 - Humans Can Navigate Like Bats
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt explores the human capacity for echolocation this week, dismantling the myth that this "biological sonar" is exclusive to animals. Reve...
#103 - 172 Diseases, One Hidden (Sleep) Cause?
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sl...
The Dreamer's Embrace: A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Settle in for a deeply comforting experience as Matt returns with a gentle voyage aboard "The Dreamer." This sleep story is crafted to sooth...
#102 - Mouth Taping
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matt examines the viral trend of mouth taping, a practice touted as a remedy for snoring and sleep apnea. He explains the core theory, whic...
Ask Me Anything Part 20: Sleep Under the Influence
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In their latest Ask Me Anything episode, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon delve into the complex relationship between common substances and sleep. They firs...
#101 - The Sleep Prescription To Better Immunity with Dr. Aric Prather
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt welcomes UCSF sleep expert Dr. Aric Prather to the podcast this week to discuss the science of psychoneuroimmunology: the link between our behavi...
The Dreamer Boat: Sophia's Journey, A Sleep Story, read by Matt Walker
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare for a tranquil journey into sleep as Matt returns with a voyage aboard "The Dreamer." Let go of the day's events and allow your...
#100 - Sleep As The Fountain Of (Facial) Youth
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt delves into the science of "beauty sleep" this week, revealing it as somewhat of a scientific reality. He highlights research by Dr. Ti...
Ask Me Anything Part 19: The Sleep Science of Her
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Eti Ben Simon returns for yet another AMA episode, this time specifically focussing on sleep and women. Together, they delve into the nuanced diff...
#99 - Insomnia in 7 Days with Dr. Aric Prather
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sleep expert Dr. Aric Prather joins Matt today for a fascinating discussion about insomnia's frustrating reality: trying to force sleep backfires...
The Dreamer Boat - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Drift into tranquility tonight as Matt pilots your voyage to a deeply restful slumber in this calming sleep narrative. Prepare to release the day&apos...
#98 - Weighted Blankets
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt delves into the science of weighted blankets for sleep improvement in this week’s episode. These heavy covers (10-40 lbs) utilize Deep Pressure...
Ask Me Anything Part 18: From Phone Radiation & Paralysis to Full Moons & Earworms
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simone are back again today to answer even more of your brilliant sleep questions! They begin by discussing smartphones, noting t...
#97 - Night Terrors
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt takes the opportunity this week to explore the perplexing sleep phenomenon of night terrors (sleep terrors). Matt clarifies that these are distin...
Celestial Slumbers - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on a celestial journey tonight as Matt guides you through the vast expanse of the night sky in this soothing sleep story. Prepare to travel amo...
#96 - Nine Unknown Functions of Dream Sleep
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matt dismantles the myth that REM sleep only benefits the mind by revealing its profound importance for physical health. While deep sleep h...
Ask Me Anything Part 17: Tracker Accuracy, 3 AM Wake ups, Sleep Onset & More
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest AMA episode, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon tackle even more listener questions regarding any and all aspects of sleep. Today, they discuss...
#95 - Circadian Rhythms, Travel, and Athlete Optimization with Dr. Cheri Mah
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Cheri Mah returns to the podcast today to explore a few different topics including how circadian rhythms shape athletic performance. She notes tha...
Clara and the Twilight Garden - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find tranquility in a secret setting as Matt guides you through tonight's sleep story set in "The Twilight Garden." Meet Clara, the lam...
#94 - Dream Sleep for the Body
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Matt challenges the notion that REM sleep is solely for the brain, revealing its broad impact on physical health. He delves into...
Ask Me Anything Part 16: Dream Time, Circadian Changes, & Night Sweats
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon team up to answer more audience questions today, and begin by delving into the subjective experience of time during dreams,...
#93 - Sleeping Pills and their Alternatives with Dr. Ranji Varghese
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Ranji Varghese back to the podcast today to complete the whole sleeping pill story by discussing newer sleeping pills, beyond...
The Archives of Lost Letters - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Escape into a world of untold stories with Matt as he guides you through tonight's sleep story set in "The Archive of Lost Letters." Me...
#92 - The Healing Powers of Sleep
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Matt explores dreams, questioning if their specific content matters beyond the normal benefits of REM sleep. This episode examines dreaming&...
Ask Me Anything Part 15: Beauty Sleep, Naps, 3 AM Wake-Ups & Axl Rose with Dr. Eti Ben Simon
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In their latest AMA episode, Matt and Eti address listener questions ranging from "beauty sleep" to 3 AM awakenings. They explore the scient...
#91 - Sleep, Ambien, Memory, and Alzheimer's
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matt Walker dives into the world of the widely used sleeping pill, Ambien (Zolpidem). He explains how Ambien, a non-benzodiazepine sedative...
The Evergreen Express - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Settle into the embrace of your bed, feeling its comforting presence beneath you. This connection anchors you to the present, quieting the mind's...
#90 - Sleep as Fuel for Athletes with Dr. Cheri Mah
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Matt and renowned sleep scientist Dr. Cheri Mah today as they delve into the crucial connection between sleep and athletic performance. Dr. Mah&a...
Ask Me Anything Part 14: Sleep, AI, Space, and Superpowers
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In his latest "Ask Me Anything" episode, Matt is once again joined by Dr. Eti Ben Simon to respond to a variety of audience questions, begin...
#89 - Does Catch-up Sleep Work?
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to a new episode of the Matt Walker Podcast, where we revisit the often-discussed topic of catch-up sleep. We delve into the complexiti...
#88 - Sleep & Sleeping Pills with Dr. Ranji Varghese
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Ranji Varghese to the podcast this week for an in-depth conversation about sleep and prescription sleeping pills. A psychiatr...
Beneath a Highland Moon - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embark on a calming journey to the Scottish Highlands in tonight's sleep story. Join Matt as he guides you through a tranquil landscape of rollin...
#87 - Sleep, Trauma Memories, AI & Memory Hacks, with Dr. Charan Ranganath
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Charan Ranganath returns to explore the complexities of human memory with Matt here today. Together, they delve into memory's architecture, e...
Ask Me Anything Part 13: Circadian Rhythms, Biphasic Sleep, Gut Health, and Animal Sleep Secrets
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Eti’s latest AMA episode begins with an exploration of the fascinating relationship between circadian rhythms and medication effectiveness....
#86 - Sleeping Pills & Weight Loss
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Matt today as he explores the fascinating intersection of sleep, metabolism, and weight management, delving into the science of dual orexin recep...
Starlight Stroll - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Escape the everyday and drift off to dreamland with Matt’s guided sleep story. Together, we'll journey through tranquil landscapes, from moonli...
#85 - The Power and Limits of Memory with Dr. Charan Ranganath
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt dives deep into the science of memory with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath, author of Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power...
Ask Me Anything Part 12 - Meds, Pets, Sleeping Naked, and So Much More with Dr. Eti Ben Simon
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Matt’s latest installment of his "Ask Me Anything" series, he once again joins forces with Dr. Eti Ben Simon to address a wide spectrum...
#84 - Sleep & Narcolepsy
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt returns this week to unpack the complexities of narcolepsy, a neurological sleep disorder often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. He starts by defi...
#83 - Sleeping Separate vs. Your Relationship
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt revisits the concept of "sleep divorce," or "sleep separation" in this latest episode, examining its effects on relationships...
Ask Me Anything Part 11 - Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, and False Awakenings
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Eti return today for another AMA session where they dive into even more fascinating and often quirky sleep questions that have been submitted...
#82 - Sleep and ADHD with Dr. Jessica Lunsford-Avery
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Jessica Lunsford-Avery, an Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University to the podcast today....
#81 - Aging, Alzheimer’s, and Sleep with Dr. William Jagust
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. William “Bill” Jagust, renowned expert in brain science and Alzheimer’s research - and one of the reasons Matt chose to move to UC Berkeley ...
Ask Me Anything Part 10 - Naps and Sleepwalking
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest AMA episode, Matt and Eti are back to tackle listener questions about naps and sleepwalking this time around. They begin by delving int...
#80 - Sleep Advice for Couples with Dr. Wendy Troxel
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Wendy Troxel returns to the podcast today to discuss the significant impact of sleep on relationships and mental health with Matt. Offering action...
#79 - Melatonin, Autism Spectrum Disorder, & Sleep
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matt shines his spotlight on the intriguing topic of melatonin use for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While melato...
Ask Me Anything Part 9 - THC, Melatonin, and Defining ‘Enough Sleep'
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In yet another informative and entertaining AMA episode, Matt and Doctor Eti Ben-Simon delve into the variety of sleep-related questions uppermost in ...
#78 - Sleep & Relationships with Dr. Wendy Troxel
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Science of Shared Sleep: Dr. Wendy Troxel on Bedtime and RelationshipsThis week, Matt is joined by Dr. Wendy Troxel the celebrated sleep and behav...
Ask Me Anything Part 8 - Lucid Dreaming & Sleep Hygenie
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon are back today to answer more of your excellent questions with their latest AMA installment - #8!They begin by delving into...
#77 - Sleep & CBD
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt continues his series on the impact of cannabis, THC, and CBD upon sleep this week with an examination into the intricacies of cannabidiol (CBD), ...
#76 - Precognitive Dreaming
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s intriguing episode, Matt delves into the topic of precognitive dreams, exploring the idea that some people can predict future events ...
AMA Part 7 - Deep Sleep, Alcohol & Anxiety
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this 7th installment of their AMA series, Matt Walker and Dr. Eti Ben Simon dive into strategies for improving deep non-REM sleep. They highlight t...
#75 - The Business of Sleep With Dr. Chris Barnes
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Chris Barnes, renowned Michael G. Foster Endowed Professor of Management at the Foster School of Business, University of Washington, returns to th...
# 74 - Sleep & THC
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt continues his exploration into the intricate link between cannabis and sleep, focusing on THC in this second installment, beginning with a remind...
Ask Me Anything Part 6 - Lunar Cycles & Weighted Blankets
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Eti team up again today for another entertaining and informative AMA episode. This time around, they dive into the intriguing world of lunar ...
#73 - Sleep & Work with Dr. Chris Barnes
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Chris Barnes from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business joins Matt to discuss the often overlooked importance of sleep in ...
# 72 - Sleep & Cannabis
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt introduces his series examining the complex relationship between sleep and cannabis, exploring both the historical context and contemporary scien...
#71 - Acting Out Dreams - REM disorder
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matt dives deep into the complexities of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a condition where individuals physically act out their dreams d...
Ask Me Anything Part 5 - Pregnancy & Rheum
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eti is back for another AMA episode with Matt to answer questions that have been submitted over the last little while. Today’s installment dives int...
#70 - Sleep & Screens with Dr. Michael Gradisar
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast episode, Matt welcomes back Dr. Michael Gradisar to delve into the evolving understanding of screens and sleep. Initially hold...
#69 - Sleep & Menopause
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt explores menopause and sleep disturbances today, noting the impact of hormonal changes, including a drop in estrogen and progesterone, and the ro...
Ask Me Anything Part 4 - Our Sleep Habits Explored
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s another AMA episode and Dr. Eti Ben Simon returns to not only share some of her own sleep routines, but also to help listeners gain a rare insi...
#68 - Sleep & Light With Dr. Michael Gradisar
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Walker welcomes his dear friend, the epic sleep researcher and clinician, Dr. Michael Gradisar, to the podcast to join him in exploring the profo...
#67 - Sleep to Lose Weight
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Matt explores the intricate connection between sleep and weight, shedding light on the alarming reality of how inadequate sleep contributes...
Ask Me Anything Part 3 - Alzheimer's, Shift Work, Sleep Optimization
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Eti Ben Simone is back with Matt Walker to delve into a range of intriguing topics surrounding sleep, circadian rhythms, and the impact of shift w...
#66 - Exploding Head Syndrome
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt’s back this week to delve into the intriguing phenomenon known as Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS). A genuine and significant sleep disorder, EHS ...
#65 - Sleep & Athletes with Dr. Michael Grandner pt.2
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this second installment of their fascinating conversation together, Matt Walker and Michael Grandner continue their discussion regarding the crucia...
#64 - Sleep & Athletes with Dr. Michael Grandner pt.1
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Dr. Michael Grandner joins Matt to explore the critical role of sleep in athletic performance. Together, they emphasize that...