Sleep, you need it like you need oxygen

Admit it. That whole work/life/balance thing is the biggest hunk of hooey you’ve ever heard. Between work, kids, chores, extended family – who has time for the fairytale of sleep?

Matt Walker’s Sleeping with Science TED Talks seriesWe sympathize but the sad truth is that while balance is difficult (and sometimes negotiated daily), it is possible. And if we don’t find a healthy balance between all the must-do’s in a day and sleep, we’ll quickly learn the high health price we’ll pay as we age.

We’ve been making mattresses since the great depression, way back when black and white TV’s were a luxury, long before cell phones, microwaves and debit cards. Way back then, sleep was something you simply did – rather than worry about. We grew up with your grandparents and, in your lifetime, have honed our mattress-making skills with cutting edge technology (like temperature-controlled sleep), meshing the timeless need for sleep with our cutting edge materials and designs.

But mattresses aren’t miracles and if you don’t make time for sleep, even the best mattress won’t help you get and stay healthy. Need some help finding your sleep balance? A TED original series explores the science of sleep and how you can tap into that science to live your best life.

Matt Walker’s Sleeping with Science TED Talks series

Matt Walker’s research examines the impact of sleep on human health and disease. He got his PhD from the Medical Research Council in London, UK, and subsequently became a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He’s currently a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science.

Walker has received funding awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, and he’s a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences. He has shared his research on the importance of sleep on television and radio outlets including CBS’s «60 Minutes,» National Geographic, NOVA Science, NRP and the BBC. He is the author of the international bestseller Why We Sleep and host of the TED original series Sleeping with Science.

Sleep is your super power

Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature’s best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep — and the alarmingly bad things that happen when you don’t, for both your brain and body. Learn more about sleep’s impact on your learning, memory, immune system and even your genetic code — as well as some helpful tips for getting some shut-eye.

A walk through the stages of sleep

Did you know you go on a journey every night after you close your eyes? Sleep scientist Matt Walker breaks down the difference between REM (Rapid-Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep, what occurs during each stage of sleep — and why it’s important to get enough of both.

How much sleep do you really need?

You know you need to get enough sleep, but the question remains: How much is enough? Sleep scientist Matt Walker tells us the recommended amount for adults and explains why it’s necessary for your long-term health.

How sleep can improve your immunity?

One of the best things that you can do to boost your immune system is head to bed, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. It can even make your flu shot more effective!

 

Why sleep matters now, more than ever

A good night’s sleep has perhaps never been more important. Sharing wisdom and debunking myths, sleep scientist Matt Walker discusses the impact of sleep on mind and body — from unleashing your creative powers to boosting your memory and immune health — and details practices you can start (and stop) doing tonight to get some rest.

How caffeine & alcohol affect sleep

Caffeine wakes you up, and alcohol makes you nod off, right? It’s not that simple. Sleep scientist Matt Walker takes us into the eye-opening ways that these drinks affect the quantity and quality of our sleep.

Hacking your memory with sleep

We’ve all been told to get a good night’s sleep before a test — finally, here’s the reason why. Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains how getting enough sleep affects how our brains store and process memories.

What’s the connection between sleep & Alzheimer’s disease?

Does not getting enough sleep lead to Alzheimer’s disease? Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains the relationship between the two — and how researchers are exploring how to use sleep to decrease our chances of developing this condition.

How sleep affects your emotions

It’s not just your imagination — you’re more irritable when you’re low on zzzzs. Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains how our nightly slumber affects the emotional centers in our brains, and why we can think of sleep as first aid for our feelings.

6 tips for better sleep

Want to not only fall asleep quickly but also stay asleep longer? Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains how your room temperature, lighting and other easy-to-fix factors can set the stage for a better night’s rest.

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

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This blog does not provide medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on Restonic.com. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

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