034: Circadian rhythm, immune/metabolism/brain health, & how light impacts sleep with Dr. Jamie Zeitzer

Zeitzer is an Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, as well as the co-Director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Vassar College before receiving a PhD in neurobiology from Harvard University.

💫 We cover :

• What is the circadian rhythm and why is it important
• The different types of “rhythms” within your body; per organ
• The link between your circadian rhythm and diabetes, your immune function, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers
• Social  jetlag: what is it and why it is bad for your health
• Light therapy: what is it and why it is so important for good sleep and a healthy, functioning circadian rhythm
• The negative physiological effects of staying up past your innate sleep time
• Ideal sleep x wake cycle vs. erratic sleep cycle
• Understanding “how much light” to get every day
• The differences between “outdoor” light vs. inside light
• How too much sleep deprivation actually creates an “immunity” to sleepiness
• Dr. Zeitzer's sleep routine :)

+ so much more

💫 To connect with Dr. Zeitzer :

• https://profiles.stanford.edu/jamie-zeitzer

💫 Mentioned in this episode:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4212693/