Podcasts > Huberman Lab > GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine

GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine

By Scicomm Media

In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Matt Walker joins Dr. Huberman to explore unconventional sleep patterns beyond the standard monophasic schedule. They discuss biphasic and polyphasic approaches like the Uberman and Everyman schedules, detailing how these methods involve splitting sleep into multiple periods throughout the day.

The two experts also analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of napping. While naps can improve focus, memory, and productivity, they warn that excessive or ill-timed napping may disrupt nighttime sleep. Walker provides insights on optimizing nap duration and timing to ensure the best outcomes. He also shares strategies like the "nappuccino" and post-nap light exposure to bolster daytime alertness.

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GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine

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GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine

1-Page Summary

Biphasic and Polyphasic Sleep Patterns

Huberman and Walker explore sleep schedules beyond the monophasic pattern, emphasizing biphasic and polyphasic sleep patterns. They describe polyphasic sleep as consisting of multiple sleep periods spread across a 24-hour day. The Uberman Schedule is an example of polyphasic sleep involving evenly distributed short sleep bursts throughout the day and night. Another approach is the Everyman Schedule, which includes one longer sleep session combined with short naps. Additionally, they mention the Triphasic Schedule that divides sleep into three distinct periods during a day.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Napping

Walker and Huberman assess napping's influence on cognitive, emotional, physical, and physiological health. Napping benefits include enhanced learning capabilities, improved memory, better emotional regulation, lower blood pressure, and stronger immune function. It also leads to increased focus, concentration, and decision-making abilities, with studies showing a 20% rise in alertness and almost 50% improvement in productivity after napping.

On the other hand, they warn against the potential drawbacks of napping. Naps can disrupt nighttime sleep, especially if taken too late in the day, making it hard to fall asleep or causing fragmented sleep. Insomnia sufferers are generally advised against napping as it can reduce the sleep drive essential for night-time rest. Worrisome are also the implications for older adults, as napping might indicate deteriorating nighttime sleep and be associated with poorer health outcomes.

Optimizing Naps

According to Matt Walker and colleagues, the ideal nap duration is around 20 minutes, often referred to as a "power nap." This length helps to avoid sleep inertia and provides benefits lasting into the evening. Napping for more than 90 minutes is discouraged due to potential nighttime sleep disruptions.

Naps should ideally be taken before 3 PM to match the natural post-lunch dip in alertness and avoid affecting night-time sleep. If naps cause sleep issues at night, moving them earlier in the day is recommended.

To enhance the benefits of naps further, they suggest strategies like a "nappuccino" (drinking caffeine before a short nap), although specific details on the cold water strategy are not provided. Nevertheless, they emphasize post-nap exposure to sunlight for 5 to 10 minutes to help achieve alertness and aid in the wake-up process.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Biphasic and polyphasic sleep patterns involve dividing sleep into multiple periods throughout a 24-hour day. Biphasic sleep typically consists of two main sleep periods, while polyphasic sleep includes more than two sleep periods, such as the Uberman Schedule with short, evenly distributed naps or the Everyman Schedule with a longer core sleep session and shorter naps. These patterns aim to optimize rest and alertness by strategically breaking up sleep into shorter, more efficient segments.
  • The Uberman Schedule is a type of polyphasic sleep pattern that involves taking short naps evenly spaced throughout the day and night, totaling around 2-3 hours of sleep in 24 hours. This schedule aims to maximize the efficiency of sleep by breaking it into smaller, more frequent segments. It is considered an extreme form of polyphasic sleep and requires strict adherence to a set nap schedule to adjust to this unconventional sleep pattern. The Uberman Schedule is known for its challenging adaptation period but is believed by some to offer increased waking hours and productivity once the body adjusts.
  • The Triphasic Schedule divides the day into three distinct sleep periods, unlike the more common monophasic or biphasic patterns. This approach involves having three separate blocks of sleep spread out across a 24-hour period. Each sleep period is typically shorter than a single consolidated night's sleep, allowing for more flexibility in rest distribution throughout the day. This schedule aims to optimize rest and alertness by strategically breaking up sleep into multiple segments.
  • Sleep inertia is the groggy and disoriented feeling experienced upon waking, characterized by impaired cognitive and motor functions. It can last for a short period after waking up, affecting alertness and performance. This state can impact decision-making, safety, and efficiency, particularly in tasks requiring quick reactions or high cognitive function. Symptoms include drowsiness, reduced mental sharpness, slower reaction times, and a desire to return to sleep.
  • A nappuccino is a term used for a power nap combined with consuming caffeine. It involves drinking a caffeinated beverage before taking a short nap to enhance alertness upon waking up. The goal is to leverage the benefits of both the nap and the caffeine to boost cognitive performance and combat drowsiness effectively. The caffeine nap strategy aims to prevent the grogginess that can sometimes follow a nap and instead promote a quick revitalization of the sleeper.

Counterarguments

  • Polyphasic sleep schedules like the Uberman and Everyman may not be sustainable or practical for most people due to the demands of modern work schedules and social commitments.
  • The benefits of napping may not apply universally; some individuals may experience grogginess or impaired cognitive function after napping, regardless of nap duration.
  • The recommendation to avoid napping after 3 PM might not consider individual differences in circadian rhythms, which can vary significantly from person to person.
  • The concept of a "nappuccino" might not be advisable for individuals sensitive to caffeine or those who have sleep disturbances, as caffeine can remain in the system for several hours and potentially disrupt nighttime sleep.
  • The assertion that napping can disrupt nighttime sleep may not take into account the adaptability of the human sleep-wake cycle; some individuals may be able to incorporate naps without negative effects on nighttime sleep.
  • The link between napping in older adults and poorer health outcomes may be correlational rather than causal; underlying health issues could lead to increased napping, rather than napping leading to health issues.
  • The claim that napping leads to a 20% rise in alertness and almost 50% improvement in productivity may not be replicable in all settings or for all types of tasks and individuals.
  • The advice against napping for more than 90 minutes may not consider the potential benefits of a full sleep cycle nap, which can last around 90 minutes and include REM sleep, potentially offering greater restorative benefits for some individuals.
  • The suggestion to expose oneself to sunlight for 5 to 10 minutes after napping may not be feasible for individuals in certain climates or during certain seasons when sunlight is scarce.

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GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine

Biphasic and Polyphasic Sleep Patterns

Huberman and Walker delve into the intricacies of sleep schedules, contrasting the monophasic sleep schedule with biphasic and polyphasic sleep patterns.

Types of Polyphasic Sleep Schedules

In exploring various polyphasic sleep schedules, they illuminate that these involve sleeping in multiple bouts across the 24-hour day, as opposed to the traditional, single-phase sleep at night.

Uberman schedule

The Uberman Schedule, characterized by multiple sleep phases throughout a 24-hour period, exemplifies one approach to polyphasic sleep. It is designed around the concept of spreading out sleep into short bursts, which are distributed evenly across the day and night.

Everyman schedule

The Everyman Schedule, although not directly described in the provided tra ...

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Biphasic and Polyphasic Sleep Patterns

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Monophasic sleep involves one continuous period of sleep per day, typically at night. Biphasic sleep consists of two distinct sleep periods within a 24-hour cycle, often including a longer period at night and a shorter nap during the day. Polyphasic sleep encompasses any sleep pattern with multiple sleep periods throughout the day, including schedules like Uberman, Everyman, and Triphasic. Each type of sleep pattern varies in the number and duration of sleep periods, affecting overall sleep duration and distribution across the day.
  • The Triphasic Schedule is a polyphasic sleep pattern that involves breaking up sleep into three distinct periods throughout the d ...

Counterarguments

  • Polyphasic sleep may not be suitable for everyone due to individual differences in sleep needs and circadian rhythms.
  • The Uberman Schedule, while theoretically maximizing wakefulness, may lead to sleep deprivation and cognitive impairment for some individuals.
  • The Everyman Schedule, although more flexible than the Uberman, might still interfere with social commitments and work schedules.
  • The Triphasic Schedule could disrupt the natural circadian rhythm, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
  • There is limited scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of extreme polyphasic sleep schedules like the Uberman and Everyman.
  • Adherence to polyphasic sleep schedules can be challenging due to societal norms and expect ...

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GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine

Benefits and Drawbacks of Napping

The hosts delve into the world of napping, discussing its cognitive and health impacts while addressing the varying needs for naps across the lifespan.

Benefits

Napping has been shown to positively influence acute cognitive function, emotional health, physiological well-being, and certain aspects of physical health.

Improves learning and memory

A study revealed that a 90-minute nap can help sustain or even improve learning capacity, in contrast to those who didn't nap and exhibited a decline in learning throughout the day. Matt Walker adds that such naps can aid in overcoming the post-lunch dip in alertness.

Resets emotional responses

Napping can help regulate emotional responses. Nappers showed a reduced reaction to fear, were less sensitive to anger, and rated happy faces more positively after napping.

Lowers blood pressure

There are cardiovascular and blood-pressure benefits associated with napping, along with improvements in immune health.

Boosts immune function

Napping has been found to positively affect immune health alongside cardiovascular measures.

Enhances focus and decision making

Attention, concentration, and decision-making are improved by napping, with NASA research revealing that short naps can increase alertness by 20% and task productivity by nearly 50%.

Drawbacks

However, there are certain risks associated with napping, particularly regarding its impact on nocturnal sleep.

Can disrupt nighttime sleep

Napping releases sleep pressure and can disrupt nighttime sleep if done too late in the day. Matt Walker explains that napping can make initiating sleep difficult, cause fragmented sleep, and interfere with the ability to return ...

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Benefits and Drawbacks of Napping

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Napping can positively impact acute cognitive function by enhancing learning, memory, focus, and decision-making abilities. Additionally, napping can contribute to physiological well-being by helping to regulate emotional responses, lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
  • When we are awake, a substance called adenosine builds up in our brain, creating a pressure to sleep. This pressure increases the longer we are awake. Napping can release this pressure temporarily, making it easier to stay awake but potentially interfering with nighttime sleep if done too close to bedtime.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured program that helps individuals improve their sleep habits and address the thoughts and behaviors affecting their ability to sleep well. It involves identifying and changing patterns that contribute to insomnia, such as stressors or behaviors that disrupt sleep. CBT-I includes techniques like stimulus control, sleep hygiene, sleep restriction, relaxation training, and cognitive therapy to promote better sleep quality. The goal of CBT-I is to treat insomnia without relying solely on medications, focusing on behavioral and cognitive interventions to improve sleep.
  • The belief that naps might be harmful for elderly people stems from concerns that excessive daytime napping could be a sign of underlying health issues or poor nighttime sleep quality in this age group. Some studies suggest that frequent napping in older adults could be linked to increased risks of certain health problem ...

Counterarguments

  • Napping may not be beneficial for everyone, as individual differences in sleep patterns and needs can vary widely.
  • The optimal duration of naps is still debated, with some research suggesting shorter "power naps" of around 20-30 minutes to avoid sleep inertia.
  • The timing of naps is crucial, and napping too late in the day may have more pronounced negative effects on nighttime sleep than earlier naps.
  • The relationship between napping and health outcomes in the elderly may be correlational rather than causal, and more research is needed to understand this link.
  • While napping can improve mood and emotional responses, it may not be a substitute for other therapeutic approaches in managing emotional and psychological health.
  • The benefits of napping on cognitive function may diminish if napping becomes a regular substitute for adequate nighttime sleep.
  • Some studies suggest that habitual napping may be ass ...

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GUEST SERIES | Dr. Matt Walker: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine

Optimizing Naps

Discussions led by Matt Walker and others delve into how to optimize naps for maximum benefits without disrupting nighttime sleep or experiencing sleep inertia.

Duration

20 minutes optimal for a "power nap"

Matt Walker advises that a 20-minute nap is ideal for reaping benefits such as improved alertness, concentration, and motivation that can last throughout the afternoon and evening. This duration is also recommended to avoid sleep inertia—the grogginess that can occur upon waking from a longer nap.

Avoid napping for more than 90 minutes

It is suggested not to nap for longer than 90 minutes to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep. Walker warns about sleep inertia, feeling worse after a nap than before, which is associated with longer napping durations and suggests setting an alarm to prevent accidentally napping for too long.

Timing

Take naps before 3 PM to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep

To prevent interference with nighttime sleep, it is advised not to nap after about 3 p.m. The optimal time for a nap is discussed in relation to the biphasic pattern, matching the dip in alertness people experience after lunch.

Match nap timing to post-lunch dip in alertness

Walker advises that if naps are causing sleep disturbances at night, to consider moving them earlier in the day, specifically after lunch. Andrew Huberman and Walker also discuss the post-lunch dip in alertness as an optimal time for a nap that doesn't interfere with nighttime sleep.

Enhancing with Other Strategies

Caffeine nap / "nappuccino"

Discussions around the "nappuccino," a method involving drinking caff ...

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Optimizing Naps

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Sleep inertia is the grogginess and impaired cognitive and motor function experienced upon waking from sleep. It can last for a short period after waking up, affecting alertness and performance. Factors like nap duration and timing can influence the severity of sleep inertia. Strategies like the "nappuccino" and exposure to sunlight can help combat sleep inertia and enhance the waking process.
  • A biphasic pattern in sleep involves dividing sleep into two distinct periods within a 24-hour cycle. This pattern typically includes a longer period of sleep at night and a shorter period of sleep during the day. It is a form of polyphasic sleep, which encompasses any sleep pattern involving multiple sleep periods in a day. Biphasic sleep is believed to be a natural sleep pattern for humans and some animals.
  • An adenosine antagonist is a substance that blocks the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. By inhibiting adenosine, antagonists can promote wakefulness and alertness. Caffeine is a well-known adenosine antagonist, counteracting the effects of adenosine in the brain. Antagonizing adenosine receptors c ...

Counterarguments

  • The optimal duration of a nap can vary from person to person; some individuals may benefit from shorter or slightly longer naps than the suggested 20 minutes.
  • While napping for more than 90 minutes is generally discouraged, some people might find longer naps restorative, especially if they are sleep-deprived or have unusual sleep schedules.
  • The recommendation to nap before 3 PM is based on a typical sleep-wake cycle, but individuals with different schedules or circadian rhythms might find other times more suitable for napping.
  • The post-lunch dip in alertness can vary among individuals, and some might not experience it or find other times of day more conducive to napping.
  • The "nappuccino" method may not be suitable for ...

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