Ask Me Anything Part 11 - Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, and False Awakenings

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 by listeners. In this installment, our duo explores the evolutionary puzzle of why we sleep, despite the apparent risks it poses for survival. They also share insights into how early organisms, like earthworms, exhibit sleep-like states, which raises the question: did wakefulness evolve from sleep?

As the episode continues, the pair tackle practical questions from listeners on how to fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and avoiding clock-watching are highlighted as effective tools to combat sleep struggles. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining regular sleep schedules, avoiding heavy meals, and reducing caffeine intake. Matt goes on to suggest that minimizing noise pollution can make a big difference, and earplugs might be the solution for many. Eti notes that she swears by silicone ones, and, while she and Matt have no financial relationship to, or sponsorship from, the company, you can check out the earplugs Eti loves here.

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.

Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. As someone who understands the deep connection between sleep and mental health, I can't stress enough the importance of taking care of your mind. Therapy is a powerful way to build a strong mental foundation, and BetterHelp makes it easy. With flexible, online sessions, you can fit therapy into your busy schedule. Visit betterhelp.com/MattWalker for 10% off your first month. It's time to invest in your mental health and become the best version of yourself.

Another sponsor this week is the biochemical electrolyte drink company LMNT, and they are very kindly offering eight free sample packs when you purchase any one of their orders at drinklmnt.com/mattwalker. LMNT is an electrolyte sports drink that I can get behind - it's created from the basis of science, and it has no sugar, no coloring, and no artificial ingredients – all qualities that are so important to maintaining your blood biochemical balance. If you want to give LMNT a try, just head on over to drinklmnt.com/mattwalker and get your eight free samples with your first purchase.

The good people at InsideTracker are also one of the sponsors of this week's episode, and they are generously offering a special 25% off any one of their programs for anyone who uses the above link during the time window of this episode. InsideTracker is a personalized biometric platform that analyzes your blood and your DNA to better understand what's happening inside of you and offers suggestions regarding things that you can do to better try and adjust some of those numbers, optimize them, and, as a result, optimize you.

As always, if you have questions, thoughts, or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker or on X @sleepdiplomat

Eti: X @etoosh or email her at etoosh@gmail.com