Best Circadianrhythm Podcasts (2025)

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#181 - Sleep Aids and Dementia: All Manner of Pills 40:57

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5h ago40:57

40:57

You probably saw the headlines out of California as they sent a jolt through the sleep world as well as social media: Do common sleep medications increase your risk of dementia? In this episode we will: Review what the UCSF study actually found — and what the headlines got wrong Determine which medications are most often implicated (benzodiazepines…

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#180 - Top 10 Sleep Threat Power Rankings: Sleeping Eyes, You’re Missing (Out) 35:32

4d ago35:32

35:32

This week marks the 7th month we have put out the Top 10 Sleep Threats Power Rankings, but it's the first time we have devoted an entire episode to the list. this week, we have a special guest assessor, Dr. Jade Wu. In this episode we will: Find out what Jade thinks are the top threats to your sleep Focus on mental health as a sleep detractor Learn…

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#179 - The 4th Annual Holiday Sleep Gift Guide Extravaganza: The Perfect Gift 34:47

15d ago34:47

34:47

Fear not, the Sleep Unplugged podcast is once again here to solve your holiday shopping dilemmas with some of my favorite sleep product companies. In this episode, we will explore a host of sleep-themed gift ideas and product recommendations. In this episode, we will feature the following products: SideSleeperZ slip-proof sleep mask Authenticity50 …

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#178 - Orexin Agonists Are Here: This Is The New Stuff 39:13

18d ago39:13

39:13

The orexin receptor agonists are coming. After years of managing narcolepsy with stimulants, sodium oxybate, and wake-promoting agents, we soon will have medications that target the root cause of the disorder: the loss of orexin signaling. These new drugs—developed by Takeda, Alkermes, and Centessa—aren’t just incremental improvements. They represe…

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#177 - Sleep Fragmentation - Picking Up the Pieces 38:20

25d ago38:20

38:20

At the root of many sleep disorders of sleep fragmentation. It's a big part of sleep medicine that many people don't know much about. In this episode we will: Define sleep fragmentation Contrast the differences between arousals from sleep and awakenings from sleep Understand why sleep fragmentation goes unnoticed by providers and patients alike Lis…

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#176 - Media and Insomnia: It’s So Hard To Tell From Just A Magazine 37:24

1M ago37:24

37:24

The media can be a fantastic source of information about insomnia, or it can be a lens that distorts and confuses the issue. In this episode we will: Contrast to contemporary insomnia articles from popular media Understand the difference between causation and relationships Learn how the use to percentages can distort the scale of an effect Read how…

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#175 - World Series, Performance, and Sleep: Out of the Blue 39:08

1M ago39:08

39:08

For the first time in my career, two team for who I work will meet for the championship, this time it's the Los Angeles Dodgers (my 10th year with the club) and the Toronto Blue Jays (my 3rd year with the club). In this episode we will: Discuss my work in MLB Talk about how these two teams came to sleep medicine as a performance tool Learn how anyb…

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#174 - Hydration and Sleep: It's In The Water 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

We talk endlessly about caffeine, alcohol, and sleep—but what about plain old water? In this episode, we will: Dive deep into the fascinating relationship between hydration and sleep quality Explore how dehydration disrupts sleep architecture—raising heart rate, cortisol, and even airway resistance Learn how hydration supports thermoregulation, hel…

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#173 - Sleep and Altitude: Only Look Up 21:32

2M ago21:32

21:32

Whether you’re skiing in Aspen, hiking Kilimanjaro, or just wondering why sleep feels so strange in the mountains, altitude messes with your rest in fascinating ways. In this episode we will: Explore the biology of what’s really happening in the brain and body when oxygen thins out Find out why your sleep becomes fragmented and restless, and what r…

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#172 - Sleep Hygiene is Not Insomnia Therapy: Save Me Tonight 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

We’ve all heard the sleep hygiene advice: turn off your screens, keep your room cool, avoid caffeine after lunch. While we can agree that these practices set the stage for better sleep, does engaging in them actually help those with sleep problems? In this episode we will: Examine the intended role of sleep hygiene Look at what research tell us in …

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#171 - Getting Your Kid To Sleep Through The Night: Crying In My Sleep 28:22

2M ago28:22

28:22

Few parenting debates stir more passion than how to help a baby sleep. In this episode, we will: Explore the science and controversy behind “cry it out,” Ferber/check-and-console, and gentler alternatives Review what research says about sleep outcomes, stress, and attachment Think about this concept in relationship to varyting sleep needs Unpack th…

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#170 - Sleep Earbuds and Earplugs: Of Course I’ve Had It In The Ear Before 28:19

3M ago28:19

28:19

When it comes to sleep, sometimes silence is golden—and sometimes it needs a little help. In this episode, we’ll explore the world of earplugs and earbuds designed to quiet the night and protect your rest, because sometimes the best way to protect your dreams is to put a little something in your ear. In this episode we will: Determine why reducing …

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#169 - Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: Out At Night Moving 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

We’ve all seen it—or maybe we’ve been told we do it: twitching, jerking, or kicking in the night. But when does this common sleep quirk cross the line into a diagnosable condition? In this episode, we will: Define Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and explain how it differs from simple nighttime movements Explore its surprising prevalence in b…

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#168 - #MASA (Make America Sleep Again): Wake Me Up When September Ends 47:03

3M ago47:03

47:03

Did you know… Only 57% of Americans now say science has a mostly positive effect on society—down 16 points since before COVID? And yet, 83% of people still trust their doctor more than anyone else when it comes to vaccine advice? We’ve all lived through it—the pandemic reshaped our health, our trust, and our divisions, and those dividisions have be…

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#167 - Frequent Nighttime Urination: All Through The Night 29:18

3M ago29:18

29:18

When it comes to insomnia, many people begin their journey staring at the clock after yet another middle-of-the-night bathroom trip and wondering: is it my bladder or my sleep that’s broken? In this episode, we will: Define what nocturia is—and what counts as normal versus abnormal Explore why most people wake up first and then feel the urge to uri…

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#166 - 10 Ways to Sleep Better in a Hotel: Take Me to The Hotel 25:18

4M ago25:18

25:18

We’ve all been there—different bed, strange noises, mystery thermostat settings—and suddenly your “dream” vacation or business trip comes with a side of sleeplessness. But hotel sleep doesn’t have to be a gamble. In this episode, we will: Explore why the “first night effect” sabotages rest in unfamiliar places Share 10 science-backed strategies to …

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#165 - Headache and Sleep: Gotta Painful Swelling Brain 32:08

4M ago32:08

32:08

Headaches don’t punch the clock at bedtime — in fact, for many, night is when they strike hardest. In this episode, we’ll: Explore how disrupted sleep can trigger and intensify migraines, cluster headaches, hypnic headaches, and chronic daily headache Examine the role of sleep apnea in “morning headaches” and how CPAP therapy can make them disappea…

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#164 - Temperature vs. Tired: Which Sign is Vital? 33:43

4M ago33:43

33:43

At every medical appointment, certain rituals unfold: height, weight, blood pressure, and—almost reflexively—temperature. But in asymptomatic patients, how often does that temperature reading actually matter? In this episode, we will: Examine the origins of routine temperature checks and their current clinical value Explore data showing how infrequ…

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#163 - Insomnia and Public Health: You're Looking Tired And More Than A Little Human 34:57

4M ago34:57

34:57

We all think we know what insomnia is: trouble sleeping, tossing and turning, maybe staring at the ceiling until sunrise. But does the public really have a clear picture of insomnia and does that impact the massive health impact it has? In this episode, we will: Explain how insomnia is not a single problem but a progressive condition, starting with…

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#162 -Sleep in the Gilded Age: If You Know Your History 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

In our modern world of blue light and burnout, it’s easy to forget that sleep has always been shaped by the forces of its time. In this episode, we travel back to the Gilded Age—a period of dazzling progress, deep inequality, and curious beliefs about sleep. In thenis episode, we will: Explore how medical professionals in the late 19th century unde…

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#161 - Sleep on Television: The Dream’s Dream on the Small Screen 26:39

5M ago26:39

26:39

We’ve talked extensively about sleep and its science, but what happens when sleep becomes the story itself—on screen? Television has portrayed sleep, sleeplessness, and dreaming across decades of iconic storytelling. In this episode we will: Highlight classic TV episodes where sleep or sleep disorders play a central role Examine how sleep is portra…

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#160 - Still Sleepy After CPAP: I'm Not Dead, I'm Not Myself 29:02

5M ago29:02

29:02

We’ve explored sleep apnea in depth on the podcast—its causes, its severity, and the many ways it’s treated. But what happens when the sleepiness lingers, even after treatment? In this episode, we will: Define sleep apnea, what it is—and what it isn’t Learn how excessive daytime sleepiness is defined, both on its own and in the context of sleep apn…

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#159 - Extreme Insomnia: You're Killing Yourself If You Don't Believe It 34:30

5M ago34:30

34:30

The Atlantic recently published a feature article entitled "Why Americans Can't Sleep." The article was written by Jennifer Senior, and fantastically accomplished writer (2022 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing, the 2022 National Magazine Award for Feature Writing, and the 2024 National Magazine Award for Columns & Essays) and details not only her …

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#158 - Bruxism: Put You Through the Grind 28:52

5M ago28:52

28:52

Bruxism or teeth grinding is a remarkably common occurrence and often happens during our nightly sleep period, disrupting sleep quality and continuity. In this episode we will: Define bruxism Explore the epidemiology of the condition Look at some of the causes of teeth grinding Touch upon proposed mechanisms of bruxism Review recent bruxism researc…

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#157 - Weight Loss Drugs and Sleep Apnea: One Pill Makes You Small 38:58

6M ago38:58

38:58

Weight loss drugs are everywhere and recently Zepbound (tirzepitide) made big news when it became the first FDA-approved sleep apnea therapy for mild to moderate sleep apnea. In this episode, we will: Introduce and explain weight loss medications Review the studies that convinced the FDA to approve Zepbound for sleep apnea Provide an overview on th…

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#156 - Research from the 2025 SLEEP Scientific Conference: Make Me a Poster 40:29

6M ago40:29

40:29

You are looking live at the Seattle Conference Center where sleep researchers from around the world are converging to carry around tote bags and share the latest and greatest sleep research. I was there and saw it all. In this episode we will: Discuss AI and its emerging role in sleep research Learn why napping continues to show positives in attent…

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#155 - Oral Appliance and Sleep Apnea: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 24:01

6M ago24:01

24:01

So far on the podcast we had talked about sleep apnea as well as the treatments CPAP and surgery. On this episode of the podcast, we discuss another popular treatment option: oral appliances. In this episode we will: Review the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea Outline the mechanism via which oral appliance work List the pros and cons of o…

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#154 - Sleep and the Threat of Danger: I Won’t Do You No Harm 39:26

6M ago39:26

39:26

One of the biggest obstacles in insomnia treatment is the perceived threat of physical harm related to the sleep difficulty. It's a major cog in the insomnia-fear-arousal cycle. In this episode we will: Utilize two case studies to illustrate the disruption that fear of harm causes with insomnia recovery Discuss insomnia is a disorder of distress, n…

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#153 - The Ten Worst Things For Sleep: Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing 27:15

7M ago27:15

27:15

When we did the snooze button episode of the podcast, it all started with a declaration that the snooze button was the worst thing for sleep. While it's fairly clear the snooze button is not, what is? In this episode, we list the top 10 worst things for sleep. In this episode we will: List what I believe the top ten worst things for sleep are Provi…

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#152 - Sleep and Temperature Regulation: Gonna Make You Sweat 29:59

7M ago29:59

29:59

Sweating at night is a common complaint in the sleep clinic. While night sweats are often thought of as being the exclusive domain of post-menopausal women, their causes can be surprisingly varied. In this episode we will: Review the epidemiology of night sweats List the cause both benign and more concerning Discuss how night sweats specifically im…

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#151 - Sleep and Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain: Sorry For The Hurt 31:30

7M ago31:30

31:30

When it comes to symptoms that cause us to seek medical help, there are few that top pain. Pain occupies a unique space within the world of sleep, in particular back, neck, and shoulder pain. In this episode we will: Provide an overview of sleep-related pain Explore the relationship between sleep disturbances and pain Learn how sleep disturbances c…

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#150 - Bedtime Stories: Without You, I Just Can’t Go To Sleep 38:06

7M ago38:06

38:06

Over the last several years, adult 'bedtime stories' have become a ubiquitous internet method used by many to help themselves fall asleep at night. In this episode we will: Define bedtime stories Explore what makes them useful for some as a bedtime ritual for sleep Discuss the role these techniques play in insomnia Dissect the ways in which these s…

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#149 - Creating a Bedroom Sanctuary: Here May Ye Rest A While 34:42

7M ago34:42

34:42

There is nothing more pleasing to the soul than wandering into a space that makes you feel protected, present, and at peace. Many elements involved in the creation of a comfortable bedroom sanctuary have been covered on the podcast. Now, we work to synthesize them all into your Zen den masterpiece. In this episode we will: Think about how room colo…

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#148 - The Truth About Medical Practices: It’s an Illusion 34:54

8M ago34:54

34:54

As the owner of a private medical practice, I know how difficult it is for the solo provider/small group to keep the doors open and deliver quality care, especially if the providers participate with insurance carriers. This fact not only affects providers, but as we will explore in the episode, it can often directly impact they options for care a p…

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#147 - Idiopathic Hypersomnia: All I Wanna Do Is Wake Up In The Morning 39:10

8M ago39:10

39:10

We have talked extensively about Type 1 and Type 2 narcolepsy on the podcast, but what about its mysterious cousin idiopathic hypersomnia (IH)? What is IH and why is it so hard to diagnose? What is its relationship with narcolepsy, and how do we treat it? In this episode we will: Define idiopathic hypersomnia Look at its incidence rate next to narc…

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#146 - Cognitive Shuffling: Ain’t Nothin’ To It 31:01

8M ago31:01

31:01

A recent New York Times article entitled "A Simple Technique to Help You Fall Asleep" by Christina Caron details a technique dubbed cognitive shuffling that took the internet by storm as a treatment for a racing mind at night. In this episode we will: Define cognitive reshuffling Explore its origins in other 'distracting' techniques including the o…

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#145 - Hypnic Myoclonus: Jerk Your Body 26:55

8M ago26:55

26:55

We have all experienced it...you're sitting in bed, nodding off, and suddenly you awaken with a start feeling like you are about to fall down stairs. Hypnic myoclonus is estimated to affect as many as 60-70% of individuals, but what is it? In this episode we will: Define hypnic myoclonus, often referred to as "sleep starts" or "hypnagogic jerks" Re…

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#144 - Missing Sleep Apnea: I Thought Someone Would Notice 42:18

9M ago42:18

42:18

26 million adult Americans have sleep apnea and 80-90% represent undiagnosed cases. Why have these numbers remained so high when there are easier diagnostic and treatment options than ever? In this episode we will: Discuss obstacles to diagnosis See how the lack of symptom specificity adds to the problem Consider if lack of provider awareness is re…

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#143 - Pillow Fight 2025: Simply The Best 39:57

9M ago39:57

39:57

Everyone loves the NCAA basketball tournament...teams colliding in a winner-take-all tournament for basketball supremacy. Haven't you ever dreamed about a similar competition between different pillows? Well dream no longer because that bedding showdown is here. Pillows are so important to our sleep, which is why I have assembled 17 of the finest to…

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#142 - Death to Daylight Saving Time: For Clock Back Move And Make It For A While 30:43

9M ago30:43

30:43

As we recover from yet another "spring forward" into Daylight Saving Time again, it seems a good time to revisit the topic we initially covered in episode 18. While that episode sought more to explain the origins of the practice and how to best adjust, this episode is more of a declaration as to why the entire practice should be abolished in favor …

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#141 - Light Therapy Revisited: Put on the Red Light 33:25

9M ago33:25

33:25

It has been a while since we have focused our attention on light therapy and sleep. For this Insomnia Monday, I thought a revisiting of light therapy might be in order. In this episode we will: Touch on new research that serves to minimize the role that blue light plays in terms of sleep harm Look at other colors of light and how that might affect …

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#140 - Fear of The Snooze Button: Shut Me Down with a Push of Your Button 30:40

10M ago30:40

30:40

In 2024, the Independent published an article entitled, "Experts Issue Warning About Using the Snooze Button." Previously, a sleep specialist said the snooze button was "one of the worst things you can do." Is any of this true? Could there potentially be a benefit? In this episode we will: Touch upon the history of the snooze button List some theor…

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#139 - Heart Rate Variability and Sleep: Like a Moving Heartbeat 28:10

10M ago28:10

28:10

Heart rate variability (HRV) is everywhere, and in no space has it made a bigger splash than in sleep medicine. Not only is HRV influenced significantly by sleep, but it is also at the core of wearable sleep technology. In this episode we will: Define heart rate variability Discuss what increased or decreased heart rate variability means List the m…

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#138 - The Subtle Art of Hurkle-Durkling: Swim in a Deep Sea of Blankets 28:13

10M ago28:13

28:13

If you pay any attention to sleep hygiene advice, you have probably heard many times that you should get up at the same time every day for optimal sleep. But does that mean you can never lounge around in bed a little in the morning? According to the Scottish, not at all. In fact, they have a term for it: hurkle-durkle. In this episode of the podcas…

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#137 - Insomnia and Vagal Nerve Stimulators: Are You Getting the Vibe? 37:47

10M ago37:47

37:47

Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulators are often advertised as insomnia therapies, "helping you fall asleep faster" or "helping you sleep through the night. Do they work? In this Insomnia Monday episode of the podcast, we will: Introduce vagal nerve stimulators Describe the path and role of the vagus nerve Understand the role of the parasympathetic…

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#136 - Cancer and Sleep: Gotta Be Strong to Fight Them 29:44

11M ago29:44

29:44

When we think about the deleterious effects of poor sleep, cardiovascular and cognitive/psychological consequences typically come first to mind. One of the less obvious and less understood effects is that of cancer which was listed as a probably carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2007. Since that time, there has…

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#135 - Blood Glucose and Sleep: Sweet As Sugar 30:50

11M ago30:50

30:50

The relationship between sleep and blood glucose is a powerful one and it impacts our weight, the way we eat, and countless other health metrics. In this episode we will: Introduce the concept of glycemic control Define insulin sensitivity and how it relates to diabetes Learn why sleep deficiency increases blood sugar levels Stress the role that co…

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#134 - Sleep in Times of Catastrophe: Burn Out The Night 26:55

11M ago26:55

26:55

While the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires continue to burn in California, firefighters and other first responders work tirelessly around the clock. What does their ability to bypass sleep for 48-60 hours mean in terms of individuals with insomnia, and what does this kind of work do to their own health? In this episode, we will: Frame the ability …

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#133 - Insomnia and Exercise: You Better Run 29:07

11M ago29:07

29:07

When it comes to insomnia treatments, there probably is no better intervention than exercise. If you are not already convinced, in this episode we will: Discuss the benefits of exercise on various sleep parameters and insomnia specifically Outline the amounts of exercise that seem to make the most difference Explore the reasons why exercise might i…

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#132 - 2024 Sleep Unplugged Awards: The Best of What's Around 34:21

11M ago34:21

34:21

Believe it or not, but the 3rd Annual Sleep Unplugged "Sleepy" Awards are upon us again. What better way to close out the year of sleep than to recognize some truly exceptions individuals and organizations within the field of sleep. Join me as we celebrate some of the brightest stars in this podcast episode: The 2024 Sleepy Award winners are: Socia…