Prepare for a tranquil journey into sleep as Matt returns with a voyage aboard "The Dreamer." Let go of the day's events and allow your mind to quiet as we travel to a busy coastal town. Tonight, you’ll meet Sophia, a painter whose vibrant and expressive works reflect the world around her, yet finds her own nights restless and her mind unable to settle. Her creativity is blocked and her thoughts race, keeping peaceful sleep just out of reach.

Just as she sits by her window, watching the waves, a familiar, gentle vessel appears: The Dreamer. It has sensed her need for rest and has come to carry her away from the chaos. Join Sophia as she steps aboard, feeling the worries of the day begin to dissolve with the gentle motion of the boat. Let the vivid imagery of a secluded, moonlit cove and the soothing rhythm of lapping waves guide you toward your own state of deep calm. As Sophia finds profound peace and a restorative night’s sleep, allow this narrative to do the same for you, quieting your mind and carrying you to a place of deep, restful slumber.

Matt will be the first to tell you that launching his sleep-related merchandise sales was incredibly smooth, thanks to our new sponsor Shopify and their integrated sales and inventory system. And now, just for you, Shopify is generously offering an exclusive trial at shopify.com/mattwalker. Whether it's online or in-person sales, Shopify simplifies it all. So, be sure to stop in at shopify.com/mattwalker to start your exclusive journey now!

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

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomatmattwalker9299

Matt delves into the science of "beauty sleep" this week, revealing it as somewhat of a scientific reality. He highlights research by Dr. Tina Sundelin, which demonstrates that sleep-deprived individuals are consistently perceived as less healthy, more fatigued, and less attractive. These visible changes are rooted in biological consequences like dilated under-eye blood vessels and elevated cortisol, a hormone that degrades vital skin collagen.

Matt then differentiates between expression wrinkles and a distinct second class, sleep wrinkles, which are caused by the mechanical compression of the face against a pillow. To mitigate their formation, he explains several evidence-based strategies. These include adjusting your sleep posture to your back, using silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction, and maintaining skin hydration to improve its natural elasticity. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that while these scientific interventions are effective, true attractiveness comes from within, encouraging a graceful embrace of the natural aging process.

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.

One of our sponsors 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. And now their new Lemonade Salt is squeezing onto the scene Tuesday, May 20th! This limited-time flavor is here to keep you at your best all summer long, and, just like summer, it’s here for a good time, not a long time, so stock up while supplies last! If you want to give Lemonade Salt or any of the fantastic LMNT flavors a try, just head on over to drinklmnt.com/mattwalker and get your free Sample Pack with your first purchase.

Tired of untrustworthy protein shakes? Show sponsor Puori prioritizes quality: hormone-free, GMO-free, and pesticide-free. Every batch is third-party tested for 200+ contaminants - you can even scan the QR code for lab results! Matt recommends the addictive dark chocolate flavor with 21g of protein. Ready to experience the Puori difference? Matt’s listeners get 20% off, so visit puori.com/mattwalker today!

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

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomatmattwalker9299

Dr. Eti Ben Simon returns for yet another AMA episode, this time specifically focussing on sleep and women. Together, they delve into the nuanced differences in sleep patterns between men and women, exploring aspects like sleep duration, quality, and architecture, including variations in deep sleep and REM sleep. They discuss how females generally sleep slightly longer, experience fewer awakenings, and have more deep sleep early in the night, alongside a quicker onset of REM sleep. The conversation also touches upon the potential health risks associated with shift work, particularly night shifts, highlighting an observed associational link with increased risks for certain cancers, such as breast and skin cancer, though emphasizing this is not necessarily causal.

The discussion then transitions to the profound impact of hormonal changes on female sleep throughout different life stages. Matt and Eti examine the common sleep disturbances during pregnancy, detailing the reasons such as physical discomfort, hormonal shifts, and frequent urination, and the consequences like mood disorders and increased risk of gestational diabetes. They further explore how sleep is affected by the menstrual cycle, with changes in REM and deep sleep across follicular and luteal phases, and then tackle the significant sleep challenges during menopause, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome, discussing management strategies like HRT and CBT-I.

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.

Tired of untrustworthy protein shakes? Show sponsor Puori prioritizes quality: hormone-free, GMO-free, and pesticide-free. Every batch is third-party tested for 200+ contaminants - you can even scan the QR code for lab results! Matt recommends the addictive dark chocolate flavor with 21g of protein. Ready to experience the Puori difference? Matt’s listeners get 20% off, so visit puori.com/mattwalker today!

Having personally used and purchased AG1 for over four years, Matt encourages you to try the new AG1 Next Gen formula with upgraded probiotics plus additional vitamins and minerals. Backed by 4 human clinical trials demonstrating a boost in healthy gut bacteria, AG1 continuously adapts to the latest science. Subscribe today and receive a FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 welcome kit, and 5 upgraded AG1 travel packs with your first order. Visit drinkag1.com/mattwalker to learn more and get started on your health journey.

Matt’s good friend Dr. Peter Attia has helped develop David, a revolutionary new protein bar, and a sponsor of today’s episode! 28g of protein, 0g sugar, only 150 calories – the best ratio EVER! Amazing taste, six flavors, incredibly satiating, and a great source of the protein that helps build muscle, manage metabolic health, and keep you full. Visit davidprotein.com/mattwalker now for an amazing deal: Buy 4 cartons, and get a 5th FREE! . Hurry! Your new favorite protein bar awaits!

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

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomatmattwalker9299

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