Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Ranji Varghese to the podcast this week for an in-depth conversation about sleep and prescription sleeping pills. A psychiatrist specializing in sleep medicine, Dr. Varghese begins by discussing his entry into the field which was sparked by a fascination with sleep and wake circadian rhythms. He goes on to highlight the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorder Center's focus on parasomnias, particularly REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, emphasizing the intersection of neuroscience, physiology, and psychology in sleep medicine.

As you will hear, sleeping pills, prescribed to initiate or maintain sleep, are typically used as a last resort for insomnia after other treatments fail. Dr. Varghese explains they work by modulating brain activity, often targeting neurotransmitters like GABA or melatonin receptors. He details two main classes: benzodiazepines (like Restoril and Ativan) and non-benzodiazepines (Z-drugs like Ambien and Lunesta), outlining their mechanisms, benefits, and risks. His powerful personal anecdote and the discussion of complex sleep-related behaviors underscore the critical need for careful consideration and informed decision-making when using these medications.

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.

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!

Another great sponsor of the show is AG1, a comprehensive nutritional drink trusted by thousands worldwide, including Matt! For nearly four years and counting, he has relied on AG1 to fuel his post-workout routine with its powerhouse blend of over 75 essential minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and prebiotics, meticulously crafted to support your daily nutritional needs. AG1 is registered and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, boasting GMP badges for quality assurance. As a special offer for our listeners, when you try AG1, you'll receive a complimentary one-year supply of both Vitamin D and K2, and with your first subscription, you'll also receive five free AG1 travel packs! Visit AG1 to explore AG1's range of offerings and claim your exclusive offer.

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

Connect with Dr. Varghese:
Instagram: @docvarghese
X: @docvarghese

Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center:
https://www.hennepinhealthcare.org/specialty/minnesota-regional-sleep-disorders-center/
IIT-MN: https://iit-mn.com/

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 rolling hills, sparkling lochs, and fragrant valleys. Let the soothing sounds of nature and the peaceful imagery lull you into a deep, restful sleep. This immersive experience is designed to ease your mind and help you unwind after a long day.

Tonight's story offers a sanctuary from the whirlwind of everyday life, allowing you to release your worries and embrace the stillness of the night. Feel the gentle ground beneath your feet as you wander along winding paths, breathe in the fresh Highland air, and listen to the distant whisper of a waterfall.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just as we prioritize our physical well-being, nurturing our mental health is equally crucial. BetterHelp offers accessible online therapy, connecting you with licensed therapists from the comfort of your home. Visit betterhelp.com/MattWalker for 10% off your first month.

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker or on X @sleepdiplomat

Dr. Charan Ranganath returns to explore the complexities of human memory with Matt here today. Together, they delve into memory's architecture, examining how sleep, trauma, and AI impact its function. The discussion covers episodic and semantic memory, emphasizing the role of sleep in memory consolidation and challenging the traditional "archive" model with Dr. Ranganath proposing a dynamic web of interconnected associations instead.

The conversation then shifts to trauma's effects, focusing on PTSD and innovative therapeutic approaches—including psychedelics—designed to enhance neural plasticity and reprocess traumatic memories. Nightmares and noradrenaline's role are explored, revealing how understanding memory's mechanisms can lead to better mental 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.

Are sleep troubles keeping you up at night? Matt used to be a skeptic about meditation, but 7 years ago, he tried it using a fantastic meditation app called ‘Calm’, and it transformed his sleep! Now, he meditates for 10 minutes before bedtime every night! He’s also partnered with Calm who have been generous enough to offer his podcast listeners an exclusive 40% discount on their premium subscription! All you have to do is go to calm.com/mattwalker and take advantage of this incredible deal! Head on over now and improve your sleep today!

One of today’s sponsors, 23andMe, provides genetic insights into health and sleep, and Matt, who has used it for eight years to understand genetic risks, is impressed by their sleep-focused data. With details on chronotype—whether you’re genetically more inclined to be a morning person or night owl—along with insights on sleep quality, depth, and insomnia risk, 23andMe’s reports offer valuable understanding of your unique sleep patterns. Explore your sleep genetics at 23andMe.com/MattWalker for 10% off your service. Total Health membership includes services initiated and performed by third-party clinicians and lab providers through the 23andMe platform. Additional terms and conditions also
apply. See 23andme.com to learn more. Total Health Membership not available to residents of HI, NJ, NY, RI and US territories. Check with your FSA/HSA administrator to confirm eligibility.

Another great sponsor of the show is AG1, a comprehensive nutritional drink trusted by thousands worldwide, including Matt! For nearly four years and counting, he has relied on AG1 to fuel his post-workout routine with its powerhouse blend of over 75 essential minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and prebiotics, meticulously crafted to support your daily nutritional needs. AG1 is registered and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, boasting GMP badges for quality assurance. As a special offer for our listeners, when you try AG1, you'll receive a complimentary one-year supply of both Vitamin D and K2, and with your first subscription, you'll also receive five free AG1 travel packs! Visit AG1 to explore AG1's range of offerings and claim your exclusive offer.

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

Matt: Instagram <

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.

Looking for comfort and style in your wardrobe? While fashion isn’t his expertise, Matt found the perfect fit with SKIMS— a proud sponsor of the show - thanks to his better half’s recommendation. Known for their breathable, soft fabrics, SKIMS delivers the comfort Matt values most. Try SKIMS yourself and feel the difference! Visit skims.com, select “Podcast” at checkout, and choose "The Matt Walker Podcast" from the dropdown. Plus, explore their new holiday shop—just in time for the season!

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

Join Matt today as he explores the fascinating intersection of sleep, metabolism, and weight management, delving into the science of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). This episode dissects a groundbreaking study on suvorexant (Belsomra), an FDA-approved insomnia medication, and its potential to enhance fat burning during sleep. Matt unpacks the role of orexin, a neuropeptide crucial for wakefulness, and explains how DORAs work by targeting orexin receptors to promote natural sleep.

This preliminary research, conducted on healthy young men, reveals suvorexant's intriguing ability to not only improve sleep quality, but also increase fat oxidation while preserving muscle mass. While these initial findings are promising, Matt emphasizes the importance of cautious optimism and the need for further research in more diverse groups. He explores the implications for weight management and metabolic health, highlighting the potential of suvorexant as a novel approach to weight loss. However, Matt underscores that a holistic approach, including diet, exercise, and good sleep hygiene, remains essential for long-term success. Tune in today to gain valuable insights into the complex relationship between sleep and metabolism, and how scientific advancements may pave the way for innovative solutions in weight management.

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.

Are sleep troubles keeping you up at night? Matt used to be a skeptic about meditation, but 7 years ago, he tried it using a fantastic meditation app called ‘Calm’, and it transformed his sleep! Now, he meditates for 10 minutes before bedtime every night! He’s also partnered with Calm who have been generous enough to offer his podcast listeners an exclusive 40% discount on their premium subscription! All you have to do is go to calm.com/mattwalker and take advantage of this incredible deal! Head on over now and improve your sleep today!

Another great sponsor of the show is AG1, a comprehensive nutritional drink trusted by thousands worldwide, including Matt! For nearly four years and counting, he has relied on AG1 to fuel his post-workout routine with its powerhouse blend of over 75 essential minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and prebiotics, meticulously crafted to support your daily nutritional needs. AG1 is registered and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, boasting GMP badges for quality assurance. As a special offer for our listeners, when you try AG1, you'll receive a complimentary one-year supply of both Vitamin D and K2, and with your first subscription, you'll also receive five free AG1 travel packs! Visit AG1 to explore AG1's range of offerings and claim your exclusive offer.

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

Escape the everyday and drift off to dreamland with Matt’s guided sleep story. Together, we'll journey through tranquil landscapes, from moonlit valleys to sun-dappled forests, letting the soothing sounds and imagery lull you into a peaceful slumber. This is a sleep story designed to ease your mind and gently guide you into a deep, restful sleep. If you find yourself struggling to unwind after a long day, allow this narrative to transport you to a place of tranquility and calm. Release your worries and embrace the stillness of the night as we embark on this relaxing journey together.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Just as we prioritize our physical well-being, nurturing our mental health is equally crucial. BetterHelp offers accessible online therapy, connecting you with licensed therapists from the comfort of your home. Visit betterhelp.com/MattWalker for 10% off your first month.

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker or on X @sleepdiplomat

Matt dives deep into the science of memory with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath, author of Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold On to What Matters in today’s episode. Together, they explore the complex relationship between memory and the brain, touching on the roles of emotional significance, context, and even neuromodulators like dopamine in helping our brains decide which memories to retain and which to discard.

Dr. Ranganath shares his unique journey into memory research and insights from his pioneering work at the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis, where his studies have reshaped our understanding of human memory. He also explains the diversity within memory types—such as episodic, semantic, and procedural memories—and why they’re all processed differently. Delving into extraordinary memory phenomena, he discusses hyperthymesia, false memories, and cases of severely deficient autobiographical memory, illustrating the varied ways people experience memory. This episode is a rich journey into the science and experience of memory, concluding with a refreshing reminder: sometimes, forgetting can be just as beneficial as remembering, offering us a balanced perspective on our memory's true role in daily life.

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.

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!

Looking for comfort and style in your wardrobe? While fashion isn’t his expertise, Matt found the perfect fit with SKIMS—now a proud sponsor of the show - thanks to his better half’s recommendation. Known for their breathable, soft fabrics, SKIMS delivers the comfort Matt values most. Try SKIMS yourself and feel the difference! Visit skims.com, select “Podcast” at checkout, and choose "The Matt Walker Podcast" from the dropdown. Plus, explore their new holiday shop—just in time for the season!

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

Dr. Charan Ranganath: https://charanranganath.com/

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 of listener questions. Beginning with a dive into the fascinating connections between sleep and medication effects, they unpack the ways various medications can impact sleep quality and patterns, from increasing alertness to potentially triggering vivid dreams or insomnia. Eti also brings a unique perspective on how different medications influence REM sleep and how timing your dosage may alleviate some side effects, highlighting the importance of discussing these nuances with a healthcare provider.

Listeners can look forward to intriguing discussions on sleep-related topics beyond just meds, as our hosts go on to explore questions about circadian rhythms, the impact of light exposure on melatonin and sleep health, and the potential benefits of sleeping naked for body temperature regulation and stress reduction. The episode also touches on the quirks of pet behavior in bed, why snoring happens, and the curious ways some animals experience sleep. Packed with science-backed insights, this AMA episode invites listeners to consider how everyday factors shape their sleep and overall well-being. And remember, if you have a sleep question, be sure to send it in to Matt or Eti as soon as possible!

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 great sponsor of the show is AG1, a comprehensive nutritional drink trusted by thousands worldwide, including Matt! For nearly four years and counting, he has relied on AG1 to fuel his post-workout routine with its powerhouse blend of over 75 essential minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and prebiotics, meticulously crafted to support your daily nutritional needs. AG1 is registered and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, boasting GMP badges for quality assurance. As a special offer for our listeners, when you try AG1, you'll receive a complimentary one-year supply of both Vitamin D and K2, and with your first subscription, you'll also receive five free AG1 travel packs! And now, every week of November, AG1 will be running a special Black Friday offer for a free gift with your first subscription in addition to the welcome kit! So head over to drinkag1.com/mattwalker and see what your gift is

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

Octopus Dreaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vKCLJZbytU

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker or on X @sleepdiplomat

Eti: X @etoosh, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eti_bensimon/, or email at etoosh@gmail.com