Ask Me Anything Part 9 - THC, Melatonin, and Defining ‘Enough Sleep'

In yet another informative and entertaining AMA episode, Matt and Doctor Eti Ben-Simon delve into the variety of sleep-related questions uppermost in listeners’ minds . Matt begins by explaining that THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, can help individuals fall asleep initially but disrupts sleep patterns and circadian rhythms with chronic use. This can lead to increased brain temperature, tolerance, dependence, and decreased REM sleep, impacting emotional regulation and overall health. Emerging data on cannabis's potential benefits for sleep apnea are inconclusive.

Matt and Eti also discuss white noise's impact on sleep, particularly in noisy environments, as studies show it can help people fall asleep faster and improve sleep efficiency, though results vary. On melatonin supplementation, they offer a vast amount of information, including a caution against overuse due to dosage inconsistencies and potential long-term effects. Our duo goes on to address the concept of "enough sleep," noting the average person needs 7-8 hours, but optimal sleep varies. Excessive sleep often indicates poor quality and health issues, potentially increasing mortality risk. Wrapping up, this episode emphasizes understanding sleep aids, their effects on sleep quality, and achieving optimal sleep 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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Another exciting sponsor is Levels, the groundbreaking continuous glucose monitor that keeps track of your blood sugar levels day and night. Whether you're curious about your body's response to different foods or seeking to enhance your sleep quality, Levels has the answers. Matt’s been using it for almost 2 years now, and has actually made changes to his diet in response to the powerful individual information Levels provides. If you’re interested, visit levels.link/Mattwalker now to grab an exclusive podcast offer of two free months of this impactful service!

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.