#151 - The Geography of Sleep

Matt breaks down the conflict between wall clocks and our biological rhythms, explaining how latitude and longitude dictate our rest. Latitude alters seasonal daylight and melatonin - though artificial light mutes this natural cycle - and broad time zones create "social jet lag." 

People on the western edge of a time zone face later sunsets and chronic sleep loss, a problem worsened by the physiological disruption of Daylight Saving Time. Warmer climates also rob us of deep sleep. To reclaim these natural rhythms, Matt advises seeking morning light during winter, guarding your bedtime if you live on a time zone's western edge, and keeping the bedroom cool. He also shares a geographical quirk about birth months: people born in autumn or winter are more likely to be morning larks.

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:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat, 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomat