madman
Super Moderator
Find out why that one terrible night of sleep may be more normal than you think and what symptoms might indicate a sleep disorder. In the first episode of our two-part deep dive into sleep health, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with UCLA sleep expert Dr. Ravi Aysola to explore the science of sleep, why it is so critical, and how it impacts our physical and mental health.
To illustrate just why good sleep is so vital to our overall health and well-being, Dr. Aysola and Dr. Glazier discuss what your brain and body are really doing when you sleep. Together, they describe the importance of each of the four stages of sleep and how sleep patterns can shift throughout different phases of life.
The doctors break down some of the more common sleep disorders and stresses why chronic sleep problems should be taken seriously, detailing their potential negative impact on heart health, mood, blood pressure, and even memory.
If all of this sounds like a nightmare in the making, don’t fret. Dr. Aysola shares the four simple rules that he says can transform your sleep–none of which requires a tracker. He also throws in a few tips on how we can stop sabotaging ourselves and find easier ways to rest peacefully.
Still have burning questions about sleep that keep you up at night? Tune in to Part 2 where Dr. Aysola takes on a rapid Q&A, that covers everything from doomscrolling to insomnia.
Additional Information:
• Total sleep time matters, but so do timing, regularity, and continuity.
A consistent wake time helps stabilize the circadian system, which is why it is often emphasized as an important anchor.
• Melatonin can be helpful in specific situations, particularly when shifting circadian timing.
Individual responses can vary, and timing typically plays a more significant role than dosage.
• Sleep health is multifactorial.
Light exposure, activity levels, stress, medical conditions, and the sleep environment all contribute to overall sleep quality.
