From The Vault: Neuroscientist Matthew Walker On Why Sleep Is Your Superpower

The Rich Roll Podcast

Rich Roll

Health & Fitness, Education, Self-improvement, Society & Culture

4.8 • 12.9K Ratings

🗓️ 22 May 2025

⏱️ 192 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Dr. Matthew Walker is a world-renowned neuroscientist, sleep expert, and the bestselling author of “Why We Sleep.” In this conversation, we explore sleep not as a passive state, but as the biological foundation of life itself—the platform from which wakefulness emerges. We dive into the architecture of sleep, its vital role in immune function, disease prevention, memory, mood, and performance. We also touch on dreams, sleepwalking, and the hidden costs of even modest sleep disruption. I share my own long, complicated relationship with sleep—and what I’ve learned in the process. Matthew is brilliant. His insights are profound. And this re-released conversation just might change your life. Enjoy! Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: On: On: High-performance shoes & apparel crafted for comfort and style 👉on.com/richroll ZOE: Download the ZOE Health app today for free. Just search for "ZOE food scanner" in your app store 👉joinzoe.onelink.me/XebC/92yh967w Momentous: 35% OFF your first subscription👉livemomentous.com/richroll Go Brewing: Use the code Rich Roll for 15% OFF 👉gobrewing.com AG1: Get a FREE bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs 👉drinkAG1.com/richroll Modern Elder: Join Chip Conley and me in LA on June 5th to design your next chapter. Early bird pricing is available until May 20th. Go to www.meawisdom.com/richroll to learn more. OneSkin: Get started today with 15% off using code RICHROLL at oneskin.co Check out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors 👉 richroll.com/sponsors Find out more about Voicing Change Media at voicingchange.media and follow us @voicingchange

Transcript

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0:00.0	Movement is so much more than just exercise or training or motion even.
0:07.0	Movement is a language. It's a way of connecting body, mind, and environment.
0:13.0	Movement has a way of being. A way of being that brings me close to myself, closer to other people, and to what matters most in life.
0:23.4	And for me, what we wear in that pursuit plays a crucial role.
0:27.8	And that's what I appreciate about on.
0:30.4	They don't just make gear.
0:32.1	They engineer apparel that supports and elevates the practice of movement itself.
0:37.4	From running shorts with
0:38.3	built-in support to technical teas that cool you down right where it matters. Every detail
0:44.6	is widely intentional. Seam placement, reflectivity, breathability, minimalism that works together
0:51.5	so the gear disappears and nothing gets in the way.
0:56.4	This is a peril born from precision and tested by elite athletes, but made for anyone committed
1:01.9	to the path.
1:03.0	I've been with On since 2023, and I'm still just so impressed by how they continue to elevate
1:08.4	and innovate in the name of purpose, not flash.
1:12.3	Head to on.com slash richroll to explore gear that supports you every step of the way.
1:20.7	Let's talk about food confusion for a second. It's almost like we live in this paradox where
1:25.9	we care more than ever about what we eat,
1:28.5	but at the same time, we're more confused than ever.
1:31.5	I mean, just walk into any grocery store, and it's this sea, awash, and health washing labels
1:37.4	like all natural, clean, whole, or nutrient fortified, words and phrases that sound good,
1:43.1	sound healthy, but rarely mean much.
	...

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