62: Sleep Science Today with Andrew Colsky - Episode 62

62: Sleep Science Today with Andrew Colsky - Episode 62

UK Health Radio Podcast

Dr. Michael Grandner discusses the surprising effectiveness of sleep diaries over wearables and offers insights into insomnia and non-medication treatments.

InformativeEye-openingEngagingInspiringEducational

45:1411 Nov 2025

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The Secret Power of Sleep Diaries: Insights from Dr. Michael Grandner

Episode Overview

  • Sleep diaries provide insights that wearables can't measure.
  • Perception of sleep can be more important than actual time asleep.
  • Conditioned arousal is a major cause of chronic insomnia.
  • Non-medication treatments can effectively retrain sleep responses.
  • Effortless approach to sleep is often more beneficial.
"The enemy of sleep is effort. No one got to sleep faster by trying harder."

Ever wondered how sleep diaries could revolutionise your nights? This episode of Sleep Science Today with Andrew Colsky features Dr. Michael Grandner, a leading expert in sleep medicine, who sheds light on the intriguing world of sleep diaries and their surprising effectiveness over modern technology like wearables. Despite the allure of gadgets that promise to track every REM cycle, Dr.

Grandner explains why the humble sleep diary still holds its ground as a powerful tool in understanding and improving sleep quality. The conversation kicks off with an exploration of what sleep diaries are and how they are used to track patterns that technology simply can't measure. Dr. Grandner shares insights into why perception of sleep can be more crucial than the actual minutes recorded by devices.

He dives into the science behind insomnia, explaining how conditioned arousal plays a pivotal role in chronic sleep issues and how non-medication treatments can effectively retrain the brain's response to bedtime stress. The episode is peppered with humour and relatable analogies, making complex sleep science accessible to all. Dr. Grandner even challenges listeners to rethink their bedtime habits and embrace simple yet effective strategies for better sleep.

By the end, you'll be questioning if your Fitbit really knows best or if it's time to grab a pen and start jotting down your sleep patterns. So, are you ready to trade tech for tradition and potentially unlock the secret to restful nights? Tune in for an enlightening discussion that might just change the way you think about sleep.

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