Sleep Science: Debunking Myths & Optimising Your Rest with Prof. Michael Gradisar. A leading sleep expert reveals the truth about blue light, technology, magnesium, and offers practical advice for better sleep in children, adolescents, and high-stress professionals.
Guest
Professor Michael Gradisar
Episode length
00:44:30
Hosted by
Martin Jones and Jonpaul Nevin
Produced & edited by
Bess Manley

In this episode
World-renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Gradisar explains the truth behind some of the most commonly misunderstood topics regarding sleep, including the impact of blue light, technology and magnesium. He also discusses the unique sleep challenges faced by high-stress professionals, and offers practical advice for helping children and adolescents to sleep better.
Guest, cast & crew
Dr. Michael Gradisar is a sleep researcher and clinical psychologist specialising in sleep disorders, specifically insomnia & circadian rhythm disorders. After many years working in academia, he is currently Head of Sleep Science at sleepcycle.com, an app that helps users to track and improve their sleep.
Resources
- Sleep Cycle https://sleepcycle.com/
- ‘Helping Your Child With Sleep Problems’ by Michael Gradisar & Rachel Hiller https://www.amazon.co.uk/Helping-Your-Child-Sleep-Problems/dp/1472138724
- Michael’s published work on Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=Q7Yn6bgAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
- Review of blue light research https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079224000376
- Review of Magnesium effectiveness https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8053283/
- Nodding Off by Alice Gregory https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nodding-Off-Science-Sleep-Cradle/dp/1472946189
- Sleepio https://www.sleepio.com/sleepio/nhs/391#1/1
Chapters
00:15 Introducing Michael: Sleep Researcher and Clinical Psychologist
01:39 Understanding the Importance of Sleep
03:10 Debunking Sleep Myths: Blue Light and Sleep Hygiene
11:06 The Truth About Magnesium and Sleep
15:17 Technology and Sleep: Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Regulation
18:31 Sleep Challenges in Children and Adolescents
20:40 Navigating the Sleep Roadmap
21:25 Sleep Solutions for Infants and Teenagers
22:26 Technology’s Impact on Sleep
25:03 Challenges in High-Stress Professions
28:51 Personalised Sleep Strategies
37:14 Follow Science, Not Scientists
41:08 Final Thoughts and Resources