Matthew Walker's "Why We Sleep" was one of the most popular and acclaimed wellness books of 2017. There's just one problem: Much of it isn't true.
Thanks to University of Ottawa Postdoctoral Fellow Dylan Smith for helping us with the research!
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Links!
- Walker's TED Talk
- Alexey's blog post: Matthew Walker's "Why We Sleep" Is Riddled with Scientific and Factual Errors
- Walker’s Response
- Trouble With TED
- Does daylight savings kill people?
- Why We Sleep: A Tale Of Institutional Failure
- Is Matthew Walker’s “Why We Sleep” Riddled with Scientific and Factual Errors?
- Up All Night: The science of sleeplessness
- Exploring the Necessity and Virtue of Sleep
- Why Do We Sleep?
- Siesta in Healthy Adults and Coronary Mortality in the General Population
- A Chronobiological Evaluation of the Acute Effects of Daylight Saving Time on Traffic Accident Risk
- Has Adult Sleep Duration Declined Over the Last 50+ Years?
- Americans Are Sleeping More, If Not Necessarily Better
- High-profile sleep researcher loses paper for duplication
12/14/21 • 71 min
26 Listeners
Maintenance Phase - The "Sleep Loss Epidemic"
Transcript Summary
In this episode titled "The 'Sleep Loss Epidemic,'" sleep researcher Matthew Walker's book "Why We Sleep" is scrutinized by hosts Mike and Aubrey. They discuss the importance of adequate sleep for overall health, with recommended sleep duration for adults being seven to nine hours. Lack of sleep can negatively impact the immune system, increase the risk of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, and disrupt blood sugar levels. The hosts criticize the lack of policy solutions and systemic approaches in the book, highlighting errors and exaggerations found by critic Alexey Guzey. They question the oversimplification of linking sleep to health outcomes such as cancer and argue that poverty and lack of support systems may be underlying factors. Additionally, they mock the author's suggestion of using predictive apps to demonstrate the consequences of inadequate sleep. The podcast also discusses other topics related to sleep, including its purpose, different sleep stages, and the sleep loss epidemic's connection to public health. The hosts emphasize flaws in Walker's book, his inadequate response to criticisms, and controversies surrounding his claims. They highlight data on the impact of daylight saving time on sleep loss and cardiovascular health but question the evidence of a general sleep loss epidemic. The episode concludes with discussions on chronic insomnia, cultural attitudes towards sleep, and the need for accurate information on sleep despite the use of false claims.
Transcript
Aubrey: Hi everybody and welcome to Maintenance Phase. The podcast that already knows it's going to die, you don't have to tell us. It's fine.
Mike: We're a J-shaped podcast-
Aubrey: [laughs]
Mike: - with V-shaped mortality.
Aubrey: I always thought of this as an apple-shaped podcast.
Mike: I'm Michael Hobbes.
Aubrey: I'm Aubrey Gord
The "Sleep Loss Epidemic" Top Questions Answered
How does lack of sleep affect brain function?
Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, leading to difficulties with memory, concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Can lack of sleep cause health conditions like schizophrenia, ADHD, and autism?
There is a link between sleep deprivation and an increased risk of developing or worsening these conditions, although further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms involved.
What are some ways in which modern lifestyle and technology disrupt natural sleep patterns?
Modern lifestyle factors such as exposure to artificial light, irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time, and high levels of stress can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle.
Are sleep apps reliable for monitoring sleep?
Sleep apps have been criticized for their lack of accuracy in tracking sleep stages and providing meaningful insights. It is important to exercise caution and not solely rely on sleep apps for assessing sleep quality.
What are the stages of non-REM sleep and how do they contribute to memory consolidation?
Non-REM sleep consists of three stages: N1, N2, and N3. These stages play a role in consolidating memories, with N3 being particularly important for memory formation and retention.
How does sleep deprivation affect the immune system and overall health?
Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infections. It also increases the risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cognitive dysfunction.
What are the recommended sleep durations for different age groups?
The recommended sleep durations vary by age group, with adults generally needing 7-9 hours of sleep per night, while younger individuals, such as infants and teenagers, require more sleep.
What are some criticisms of Matthew Walker's book "Why We Sleep"?
Criticisms of the book include self-plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, errors in citations, insufficient addressing of criticisms, inaccuracies in claims about the relationship between sleep and various health conditions, and reliance on self-reported data without concrete evidence.
How does daylight saving time affect sleep patterns and health?
Daylight saving time can disrupt sleep patterns due to the sudden change in light, leading to increased risks of heart attacks, car crashes, and fluctuations in mental well-being.
Is there evidence supporting the existence of a sleep loss epidemic in industrialized nations?
The World Health Organization has recognized sleep deprivation as a public health challenge, particularly in industrialized nations, due to its detrimental effects on individuals' well-being and overall health. However, the term "sleep loss epidemic" itself is a topic of debate.
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