Best In Cabin Monitoring Podcasts (2025)

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#113 - Modafinil: An All-Nighter In A Pill? 32:04

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3d ago32:04

32:04

Diving into the controversial world of Modafinil, the "all-nighter in a pill", Matt begins with the story of Olympic sprinters using the narcolepsy drug as a loophole for a competitive edge. He then unpacks the science of how Modafinil affects brain chemistry to boost wakefulness and cognition, tracing its evolution from a medical treatment to a pe…

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#112 - How Synesthesia Secretly Shapes Your Reality 22:46

10d ago22:46

22:46

Matt explores the fascinating world of synesthesia today, challenging the notion that it's a rare quirk by proposing a bold claim: in subtle ways, we are all synesthetes. This idea is powerfully demonstrated by the famous "Bouba/Kiki" test, which reveals our brain's innate tendency to connect abstract shapes and sounds. The episode argues that this…

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#111 - The Price of Sleep 19:46

17d ago19:46

19:46

Framing sleep not as a biological necessity, but as a critical economic asset, Matt reveals that sleep deprivation costs the U.S. economy up to $411 billion annually, with billions more lost globally. These costs stem from lost workplace productivity, severe cognitive impairment equivalent to intoxication, and massive strains on healthcare and publ…

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#110 - The Science Behind Wearable Sleep Monitoring 1:02:10

24d ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In this user's guide to sleep trackers, learn the science behind how they work using motion and optical sensors as Matt explains the key metrics of Sensitivity, Specificity, and Accuracy. Revealing why most trackers overestimate sleep by failing to detect wakefulness, he reveals the crucial difference between a device's flawed "absolute accuracy" a…

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#109 - How to Get More REM Sleep 51:42

1M ago51:42

51:42

Matt takes a deep dive into REM sleep this week, highlighting methods to enhance this vital stage for emotional regulation and creativity. Detailing pharmacological approaches, he focuses on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and how medications like donepezil and modern DORAs can boost REM sleep, while also identifying common suppressors like alco…

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Cozy Cabin Retreat: A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 29:58

1M ago29:58

29:58

In this soothing episode, Matt guides you on your personal sleep story towards deep, restorative rest. He invites you to find comfort and release the day's worries through intentional breathing, transporting you to a cozy, imagined haven bathed in soft lights and calming aromas. As twilight descends, experience the tranquil silence and the moon's g…

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#108 Implanting False Memories Into Your Brain 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

In this week’s episode, Matt Walker explores memory's astonishing malleability, challenging the belief that recollections are fixed. He highlights Loftus's car crash study, showing how subtle language altered speed memories and implanted false details, and reviews the "Lost in the Mall" experiment which proved fabricated autobiographical memories c…

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#107 - Medicine 3.0 with Dr. Avinish Reddy 1:29:04

2M ago1:29:04

1:29:04

Founder & CEO of Elevated Medical, Dr. Avinish Reddy, joins Matt today on this very special episode to discuss a comprehensive approach to longevity. One core theme presented is the profound interconnectedness of physical, mental, and cognitive well-being, essential for true health optimization. Dr. Reddy emphasizes the striking impact of social co…

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Ask Me Anything Part 22: Latitude, Pain Gating, Temperature & Shift Work 45:04

2M ago45:04

45:04

In this latest AMA instalment, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon begin by discussing environmental influences on sleep. The conversation covers how high latitude and prolonged daylight disrupt circadian rhythms, with Eti sharing her own personal experience. Together, our duo shares strategies for managing light exposure and regulating core body temperatur…

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#106 - Can A Sleeping Pill Help Fight Alzheimer’s? 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

Matt explores the critical link between sleep and Alzheimer's disease today, explaining how the brain’s "glymphatic system" clears toxic proteins like amyloid and tau during deep sleep. He describes how insufficient sleep impairs this process, creating a vicious cycle where protein accumulation damages sleep-generating brain regions and increases d…

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Ask Me Anything Part 21: Sleep Debt, Snooze Button, Naps & Sleep Myths 1:01:24

3M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon join forces once again to answer all of your top sleep questions. This time around, they break down the science behind the snooze button, why you might be falling asleep during passive activities like watching TV, and the truth about sleep fads like consuming salt before bed or using "grounding sheets." The episode also e…

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#105 - Delta Sleep Inducing Peptides 21:14

3M ago21:14

21:14

In this episode, Matt delves into the curious and cautionary tale of Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP), once hailed as a potential miracle cure for insomnia. In the 1970s, researchers were on a quest for a single "somnogenic molecule" that could act as the brain's natural sleep switch. A Swiss team believed they had found it, isolating a peptide …

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#104 - Humans Can Navigate Like Bats 24:50

3M ago24:50

24:50

Matt explores the human capacity for echolocation this week, dismantling the myth that this "biological sonar" is exclusive to animals. Revealing how peer-reviewed research shows all human brains possess the neural hardware to "see" with sound, Matt explains the physics of how sound creates detailed acoustic maps of our environment and introduces t…

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#103 - 172 Diseases, One Hidden (Sleep) Cause? 29:31

3M ago29:31

29:31

While we've long been told to focus on the quantity of our sleep, in today’s episode, Matt suggests a paradigm shift in our understanding of sleep health. He argues that the true cornerstone may not be how many hours we get, but the consistency of our sleep schedule. This concept of regularity - maintaining a stable bedtime and wake-time - is prese…

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The Dreamer's Embrace: A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 29:18

4M ago29:18

29:18

Settle in for a deeply comforting experience as Matt returns with a gentle voyage aboard "The Dreamer." This sleep story is crafted to soothe the heart and quiet the mind, creating a perfect sanctuary for rest. Tonight, we journey to a peaceful, seaside village to meet Henry, an elderly widower whose sleepless nights are filled with a profound sens…

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#102 - Mouth Taping 25:35

4M ago25:35

25:35

This week, Matt examines the viral trend of mouth taping, a practice touted as a remedy for snoring and sleep apnea. He explains the core theory, which centers on promoting the benefits of nasal over mouth breathing, before critically assessing whether this popular ritual is a scientifically sound solution or a risky trend whose dangers are lost am…

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Ask Me Anything Part 20: Sleep Under the Influence 1:04:32

4M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

In their latest Ask Me Anything episode, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon delve into the complex relationship between common substances and sleep. They first tackle cannabis, explaining that while THC may initially help with sleep onset, its chronic use is detrimental, leading to tolerance, withdrawal insomnia, and a powerful suppression of restorative R…

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#101 - The Sleep Prescription To Better Immunity with Dr. Aric Prather 54:49

4M ago54:49

54:49

Matt welcomes UCSF sleep expert Dr. Aric Prather to the podcast this week to discuss the science of psychoneuroimmunology: the link between our behavior and immune health. After a primer on the immune system’s innate and adaptive arms, Dr. Prather details how insufficient sleep dramatically increases your risk of catching a cold, significantly blun…

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The Dreamer Boat: Sophia's Journey, A Sleep Story, read by Matt Walker 29:26

5M ago29:26

29:26

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 se…

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#100 - Sleep As The Fountain Of (Facial) Youth 36:59

5M ago36:59

36:59

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 d…

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Ask Me Anything Part 19: The Sleep Science of Her 1:12:32

5M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

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 …

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#99 - Insomnia in 7 Days with Dr. Aric Prather 1:01:36

5M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Sleep expert Dr. Aric Prather joins Matt today for a fascinating discussion about insomnia's frustrating reality: trying to force sleep backfires; sleep arrives naturally. Dr. Prather highlights a surprising starting point: forget focusing on bedtime, prioritize a consistent wake-up time, even weekends. Noting that this anchors your internal clock …

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The Dreamer Boat - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 29:42

6M ago29:42

29:42

Drift into tranquility tonight as Matt pilots your voyage to a deeply restful slumber in this calming sleep narrative. Prepare to release the day's hold and find solace on a serene sea, where the rhythm of the waves and the canopy of stars invite peaceful repose. Picture yourself embraced by the gentle motion of the water, the day's warmth slowly g…

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#98 - Weighted Blankets 34:27

6M ago34:27

34:27

Matt delves into the science of weighted blankets for sleep improvement in this week’s episode. These heavy covers (10-40 lbs) utilize Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), a concept originating from Dr. Temple Grandin's 1960s work. DPS is theorized to shift the nervous system from "fight-or-flight" to a calmer parasympathetic state by potentially incre…

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Ask Me Anything Part 18: From Phone Radiation & Paralysis to Full Moons & Earworms 50:01

6M ago50:01

50:01

Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simone are back again today to answer even more of your brilliant sleep questions! They begin by discussing smartphones, noting that the direct EMF impact on brainwaves is debatable, but that psychological activation and blue light are known disruptors. Moving onto naps, Matt explains longer ones can cause "sleep inertia," whil…

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#97 - Night Terrors 25:52

6M ago25:52

25:52

Matt takes the opportunity this week to explore the perplexing sleep phenomenon of night terrors (sleep terrors). Matt clarifies that these are distinct from nightmares, defining them as parasomnias arising from abrupt arousals out of deep Non-REM sleep, not REM sleep where dreaming occurs. He details the often dramatic symptoms – intense fear, scr…

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Celestial Slumbers - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 17:36

7M ago17:36

17:36

Embark on a celestial journey tonight as Matt guides you through the vast expanse of the night sky in this soothing sleep story. Prepare to travel amongst the stars, exploring the constellations that have captivated humanity for millennia. Imagine yourself lying comfortably beneath the heavens on a warm evening, the stars twinkling like distant fir…

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#96 - Nine Unknown Functions of Dream Sleep 26:23

7M ago26:23

26:23

This week, Matt dismantles the myth that REM sleep only benefits the mind by revealing its profound importance for physical health. While deep sleep handles some repair, Matt details how REM is crucial for peak testosterone and growth hormone release, vital for muscle, bone, libido, tissue repair, and metabolism. He explains that REM's characterist…

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Ask Me Anything Part 17: Tracker Accuracy, 3 AM Wake ups, Sleep Onset & More 1:04:58

7M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

In this latest AMA episode, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon tackle even more listener questions regarding any and all aspects of sleep. Today, they discuss sleep tracker accuracy, noting that while nightly data isn't perfect (~75-85% accurate), weekly trends are reliable. Feeling exhausted despite good tracker metrics? Potential causes include fragmente…

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#95 - Circadian Rhythms, Travel, and Athlete Optimization with Dr. Cheri Mah 1:00:14

7M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Dr. Cheri Mah returns to the podcast today to explore a few different topics including how circadian rhythms shape athletic performance. She notes that these 24-hour cycles regulate sleep, hormones, and core temperature, with peak physical capacity often occurring between 4-8 pm—when many world records are set. Dr. Mah also discusses chronotypes, s…

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Clara and the Twilight Garden - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 22:22

8M ago22:22

22:22

Find tranquility in a secret setting as Matt guides you through tonight's sleep story set in "The Twilight Garden." Meet Clara, the lamp keeper, who lovingly tends to the hundreds of lanterns that illuminate this hidden haven. On this particular evening, a grieving visitor arrives, seeking solace and a way to remember a lost loved one. As Clara sha…

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#94 - Dream Sleep for the Body 29:13

8M ago29:13

29:13

In today’s episode, Matt challenges the notion that REM sleep is solely for the brain, revealing its broad impact on physical health. He delves into REM's role in regulating testosterone and growth hormone, crucial for muscle function. Our host also highlights how REM aids muscle recovery via paralysis, boosting blood flow and supporting protein sy…

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Eye Tracking in Practice: The True Impact on Research & Innovation 15:56

8M ago15:56

15:56

Eye tracking is more than just following a person’s gaze — it’s about understanding behavior, optimizing research, and improving real-world applications. But what are the biggest misconceptions holding researchers back? And how can the right technology make all the difference? In this episode of the Human-Centric AI Podcast, we sit down with Brant …

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Ask Me Anything Part 16: Dream Time, Circadian Changes, & Night Sweats 52:24

8M ago52:24

52:24

Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon team up to answer more audience questions today, and begin by delving into the subjective experience of time during dreams, exploring how our perception stretches and compresses during REM sleep and whether we can hack our dreams. They also explain the cognitive, emotional, hormonal, and immunological consequences of pull…

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#93 - Sleeping Pills and their Alternatives with Dr. Ranji Varghese 1:00:13

8M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Ranji Varghese back to the podcast today to complete the whole sleeping pill story by discussing newer sleeping pills, beyond benzos and Z-drugs. Together, they explore Melatonin receptor agonists (like Ramelteon) that signal sleep preparation, unlike sedating GABAergics. They also detail how DORAs inhibit the wakefulness-p…

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The Archives of Lost Letters - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 16:18

9M ago16:18

16:18

Escape into a world of untold stories with Matt as he guides you through tonight's sleep story set in "The Archive of Lost Letters." Meet Stephanie, the archivist, who tends to letters never sent, filled with unspoken confessions and unshared truths. Tonight, a visitor arrives, searching for a lost piece of himself. As Stephanie helps him uncover a…

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#92 - The Healing Powers of Sleep 22:38

9M ago22:38

22:38

This week Matt explores dreams, questioning if their specific content matters beyond the normal benefits of REM sleep. This episode examines dreaming's significance for creativity, memory integration, and its role as emotional first aid. The discussion then introduces a "hot off the press" study showing how dreams might help us shed unwanted memori…

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Beyond the Gaze: Debunking Myths, Tackling Challenges, and Exploring the Future of Eye Tracking 21:46

9M ago21:46

21:46

Eye-tracking technology is evolving rapidly, unlocking new possibilities across industries like automotive, aviation, and behavioral research. But what does it take to implement it successfully? In this episode of the Human-Centric AI Podcast, we sit down with Sebastian Johansson, Regional Sales Manager for APAC at Smart Eye, to explore the real-wo…

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Ask Me Anything Part 15: Beauty Sleep, Naps, 3 AM Wake-Ups & Axl Rose with Dr. Eti Ben Simon 1:09:31

9M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

In their latest AMA episode, Matt and Eti address listener questions ranging from "beauty sleep" to 3 AM awakenings. They explore the scientific evidence supporting sleep's crucial role in skin health and perceived attractiveness, citing studies on the effects of sleep deprivation. The cognitive benefits of napping are discussed, highlighting its a…

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#91 - Sleep, Ambien, Memory, and Alzheimer's 38:45

9M ago38:45

38:45

This week, Matt Walker dives into the world of the widely used sleeping pill, Ambien (Zolpidem). He explains how Ambien, a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, works by targeting the brain's GABA receptors, specifically the alpha-1 subunit, to induce sleep. However, this comes with consequences. Matt highlights research by Dr. Marcos Frank showing…

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The Evergreen Express - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 22:33

10M ago22:33

22:33

Settle into the embrace of your bed, feeling its comforting presence beneath you. This connection anchors you to the present, quieting the mind's chatter and creating a foundation for restful sleep. Tired of untrustworthy protein shakes? Show sponsor Puori prioritizes quality: hormone-free, GMO-free, and pesticide-free. Every batch is third-party t…

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#90 - Sleep as Fuel for Athletes with Dr. Cheri Mah 1:08:50

10M ago1:08:50

1:08:50

Join Matt and renowned sleep scientist Dr. Cheri Mah today as they delve into the crucial connection between sleep and athletic performance. Dr. Mah's groundbreaking research at Stanford, including her famous basketball player sleep extension study (which revealed a 9% improvement in free throws and three-pointers!), demonstrates how prioritizing s…

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Ask Me Anything Part 14: Sleep, AI, Space, and Superpowers 56:22

10M ago56:22

56:22

In his latest "Ask Me Anything" episode, Matt is once again joined by Dr. Eti Ben Simon to respond to a variety of audience questions, beginning with the role of AI in sleep medicine. Together, they explore how AI is currently being used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of sleep stage scoring, and how it shows promise in diagnosing sleep apne…

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#89 - Does Catch-up Sleep Work? 30:02

10M ago30:02

30:02

Welcome back to a new episode of the Matt Walker Podcast, where we revisit the often-discussed topic of catch-up sleep. We delve into the complexities of weekend catch-up sleep, exploring a recent study of 91,000 participants that suggests a potential link between compensatory weekend sleep and a reduced risk of heart disease. While this news offer…

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#88 - Sleep & Sleeping Pills with Dr. Ranji Varghese 1:03:29

11M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Matt Walker welcomes Dr. Ranji Varghese to the podcast this week for an in-depth conversation about sleep and prescription sleeping pills. A psychiatrist specializing in sleep medicine, Dr. Varghese begins by discussing his entry into the field which was sparked by a fascination with sleep and wake circadian rhythms. He goes on to highlight the Min…

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Beneath a Highland Moon - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 22:35

11M ago22:35

22:35

Embark on a calming journey to the Scottish Highlands in tonight's sleep story. Join Matt as he guides you through a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, sparkling lochs, and fragrant valleys. Let the soothing sounds of nature and the peaceful imagery lull you into a deep, restful sleep. This immersive experience is designed to ease your mind and h…

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#87 - Sleep, Trauma Memories, AI & Memory Hacks, with Dr. Charan Ranganath 49:43

11M ago49:43

49:43

Dr. Charan Ranganath returns to explore the complexities of human memory with Matt here today. Together, they delve into memory's architecture, examining how sleep, trauma, and AI impact its function. The discussion covers episodic and semantic memory, emphasizing the role of sleep in memory consolidation and challenging the traditional "archive" m…

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Ask Me Anything Part 13: Circadian Rhythms, Biphasic Sleep, Gut Health, and Animal Sleep Secrets 56:13

11M ago56:13

56:13

Matt and Eti’s latest AMA episode begins with an exploration of the fascinating relationship between circadian rhythms and medication effectiveness. Discover how this internal 24-hour clock influences drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, impacting treatment outcomes. The episode then delves into chronotherapy, revealing how tim…

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#86 - Sleeping Pills & Weight Loss 24:33

12M ago24:33

24:33

Join Matt today as he explores the fascinating intersection of sleep, metabolism, and weight management, delving into the science of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). This episode dissects a groundbreaking study on suvorexant (Belsomra), an FDA-approved insomnia medication, and its potential to enhance fat burning during sleep. Matt unpacks…

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Starlight Stroll - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker 23:50

12M ago23:50

23:50

Escape the everyday and drift off to dreamland with Matt’s guided sleep story. Together, we'll journey through tranquil landscapes, from moonlit valleys to sun-dappled forests, letting the soothing sounds and imagery lull you into a peaceful slumber. This is a sleep story designed to ease your mind and gently guide you into a deep, restful sleep. I…