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

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," while short naps (20 mins) can be beneficial, unless insomnia is present.

They then examine the full moon's debated effect on sleep, and how it is possibly obscured by modern lighting. Sleep paralysis is then explained as consciousness returning before REM sleep's muscle atonia ends, while "hypnic jerks" (jolts while falling asleep) are described as the brain misinterpreting muscle relaxation as falling. Finally, they explain that waking with an "earworm" is linked to memory consolidation and active music-processing brain areas during REM sleep.

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.

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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 [e-mail]