The Most Powerful Medicine You Probably Overlooked: A Good Night's Sleep

 

Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a cornerstone of brain health, memory, mood, and overall well-being. Yet for many adults and caregivers, quality sleep can feel frustratingly out of reach.

 

 

YouTube Videos

 

Andrew Huberman and Dr. Matthew Walker have recorded several in-depth discussions regarding sleep. The most comprehensive resource is their 6-part special guest series released in 2024, but they also have a notable foundational episode from 2021 and a 2025 "Essentials" summary.

 

The 6-Part Guest Series (2024)

This series is a masterclass on sleep, with each episode focusing on a specific theme:

 

Episode 1: The Biology of Sleep & Your Unique Sleep Needs – Explains sleep structure and determining your individualized needs.

 

Episode 2: Protocols to Improve Your Sleep – Practical tools for sleep hygiene, temperature, and environment.

 

Episode 3: How to Structure Your Sleep, Use Naps & Time Caffeine – Covers the impact of aging, napping protocols, and caffeine timing.

 

Episode 4: Using Sleep to Improve Learning, Creativity & Memory – Focuses on cognitive enhancement through rest.

 

Episode 5: Improve Sleep to Boost Mood & Emotional Regulation – Discusses the link between sleep and mental health.

 

Episode 6: The Science of Dreams, Nightmares & Lucid Dreaming – Explores REM sleep and the purpose of dreaming

 

Wearable Devices

 

WHOOP provides a comprehensive sleep tracking system by monitoring physiological signals 24/7 to analyze sleep quality, stages, and consistency. Its core features provide holistic insights into how daily habits impact long-term health.

 

EMAY SleepO2 Wrist Monitor: This version uses a wristband connected to a soft finger probe, which is often more comfortable for overnight wear than a standard hard-clip fingertip oximeter.

 

The monitor can track oxygen desaturation events during the night, but they cannot legally provide a formal medical diagnosis of sleep apnea. They are best used to gather data to share with a physician for further clinical testing.

 

Books to Read

 

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

 by Matthew Walker

 

Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success

 by Shawn Stevenson

 

Transform Your Rest

 

Partner with a dedicated coach at Functional Pharmacy to build a high-performance sleep routine. Our 1-on-1 sessions provide the personalized strategy, real-time feedback, and accountability you need to master your sleep hygiene and wake up energized.