Modern Wisdom #027 - Dr Greg Potter - The Definitive Guide To Sleep
7 snips
Aug 27, 2018 
Dr Greg Potter, a sleep researcher and chronobiology specialist from the University of Leeds, digs into why sleep matters so much. He explores circadian rhythms, mood, metabolism, and depression. There’s also a look at shift work, sleep deprivation, cooler bedrooms, caffeine, alcohol, melatonin, meal timing, and how to bounce back after a bad night.
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REM Sleep Creates A Strange Laboratory For Creativity
- Greg Potter describes REM as a state where parts of the brain are more active than wakefulness while the body stays paralyzed.
- He links that dream state to mixing stored information into novel connections, which may help explain human creativity.
Design The Day So Sleep Comes Easier At Night
- Build sleep from daytime habits first by moving more, doing demanding work, meditating, and getting bright light early.
- At night, make the bedroom uncluttered, use it only for sleep and sex, and reduce light exposure two hours before bed.
Use Heat And Cool Air To Fall Asleep Faster
- Keep the bedroom cool and use a hot shower before bed to help heat leave the core.
- Greg Potter says warm skin creates a temperature gradient, and warm feet or even socks can improve sleep onset and maintenance.
