#292 The New Science Of The Body Clock And How It Can Revolutionise Your Sleep and Health with Professor Russell Foster
The tired brain remembers negative experiences but forgets the positive ones. Is there a more powerful statement in favour of going to bed earlier and prioritising our sleep? Modern life has seen us push into the night, staying up later and extending our social and work lives around the clock. But this, says today\u2019s guest, goes against what our bodies are wired to do.\n\xa0\nRussell Foster is Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University and author of the fantastic new book, Life Time: The New Science Of The Body Clock And How It Can Revolutionise Your Sleep and Health. Russell explains that living out of sync with our circadian rhythms doesn\u2019t just lead to sleep disruption and tiredness. The further we stray from them, the more we become vulnerable to chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, suppressed immunity, dementia and mental illness.\xa0But he\u2019s not here to scare us \u2013 rather share the strategies that we can all use to get back on track.\n\xa0\nDuring this compelling conversation, we cover the science behind exposure to natural daylight at the right times. We talk chronotypes \u2013 and if there\u2019s anything you can do to change being a lark or an owl. Russell explains the dangerous phenomenon of \u2018microsleeps\u2019 and why 4am is the most dangerous time to be on the roads. And we cover the unique problems faced by night-shift workers and new parents, including what they, their families and employers can do to mitigate their health and safety.\n\xa0\nWe also chat about the value of sleep trackers and blue-blocking glasses. Russell busts the myth that we all need eight hours\u2019 sleep or that you mustn\u2019t read a Kindle before bed. And he reveals the best time of day for sex (clue: it\u2019s different depending on whether you want to conceive or relax). And for all those insomniacs who go to sleep fine but wake during the night? There\u2019s some wisdom towards the end of our conversation that you\u2019ll want to hear!\n\xa0\nThis is a fact-filled episode, full of fascinating insights. I hope you enjoy listening.\n\nSupport the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts\xa0https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to\xa0https://fblm.supercast.com.\n\nThanks to our sponsors:\nhttps://www.athleticgreens.com/livemore\nhttps://www.boncharge.com/livemore\nhttps://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore\n\nIf you're a healthcare professional, come and see me and Professor Russell Foster speak live in November. https://bit.ly/3RD1DSq\n\nShow notes\xa0https://drchatterjee.com/292\n\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.