Best Chris Winter Podcasts (2024)

1
#118 - Apple Watches and Sleep Apnea: Watch It Now, Here It Comes 33:26

10h ago33:26

33:26

On September 16th, 2024, Apple announced their new sleep apnea detection feature for their Apple Watch device had received FDA approval for the detection of mild to moderate sleep apnea. While this is an exciting development in the consumer medical field. In this episode, there are some concerns about this technology. In this episode we will: Touch…

1
#117 - Seasons of Sleep: As The Old Sun Dies 28:26

8d ago28:26

28:26

As summer comes to an end, it's a good time to examine how seasonal change tends to affect our sleep. In this episode we will: Refresh our memories about circadian factors related to sleep Look at seasonal trends in sleep times, bed times and wake times Evaluate factors such as light, temperature, and exercise as well as other surprising sleep vari…

1
#116 - Sleep Unplugged Book Club #1-Navigating Life With Restless Legs Syndrome: Bouncing 'Round the Room 39:43

19d ago39:43

39:43

For the first installment of the Sleep Unplugged Book Club, we will examine Andrew Spector's new book Navigating Life with Restless Legs Syndrome. This also marks a revisiting of the topic we covered in episode #13 (Restless Legs Syndrome: You Gotta Move). In this episode we will: Introduce Dr. Andrew Spector, a Duke University professor of neurolo…

1
#115 - Insomnia and Sleep Debt: Pay It Back 24:39

11d ago24:39

24:39

There is no topic in sleep more likely to incite a riot between sleep experts than the concept of a sleep debt. Does it really exist? Can a sleep debt ever be repaid? If so, how long? In this episode, we will: Define sleep debt Examine a new population study on the effects of sleep debt on cardiovascular risk Attempt to consolidate the available re…

1
#114 - Inflammation and Sleep: I’m On Fire 32:23

19d ago32:23

32:23

We have touched on inflammation as a central pathway connecting sleep disorders and dementia (episode 99), injury (episode 70), pain (episode 48), and cardiovascular disease (episode 35). In this episode, we shine the spotlight directly on inflammation and learn how it is connected to sleep. In this episode we will: Examine the reciprocal relations…

1
#113 - Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome: In The Dark, I Feel Your Resistance 29:53

26d ago29:53

29:53

Somewhere between normal nocturnal breathing and sleep apnea exists a strange entity. This condition, often debated in terms of its mere existence is upper airway resistance syndrome, and knowing about it can be the difference between solving your sleep-related breathing woes and continuing your struggles. In this episode we will: define upper airw…

1
#112 - Sleep Walking: To Get Up and Go, Memory's Remote, Now I’m Standing Up The Morning After 36:34

1M ago36:34

36:34

Sleep walking is probably the most recognized and discussed parasomnia, but it can also create significant confusion and danger for those affected. In this episode, we will: Define sleepwalking Differentiate somnambulism and noctambulism Evaluate how age and genetics affects the condition Characterize the parasomnia List the causes of sleep walking…

1
#111 - Sleep Schedules and Insomnia: Wasting the Dawn 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

We often talk about the amount of sleep individuals need creates confusion for insomnia patients. In this episode we dive deeper into this concept with a way in which to think about sleep need. In this episode we will: Revisit sleep need Understand why 8 hours is not right more many individuals Touch on the complicated nature of determining how muc…

1
#110 - The Sleep Apnea Pill: Wired On The Pills You Took 38:25

2M ago38:25

38:25

Sleep apnea is a very common medical problem that affects a large portion of the population. The treatment options leave much to be desired including what is by far and away the most common treatment: the CPAP device. This reality has led to the quest to find a medical treatment for sleep apnea, and one investigational drug AD109, has received some…

1
#109 - Sleep in the Elderly: What A Drag It Is Getting Old 30:55

2M ago30:55

30:55

Aging is a certainty of life, and with it comes changes in sleep. Understanding these changes is central to life-long pursuit of healthy sleep. In this episode we will: Discuss whether or not older individuals sleep less than younger individuals Evaluate the role of schedules and schedule flexibility in the sleep of the elderly Learn why the circad…

1
#108 - The Menstrual Cycle and Sleep: God's Little Gift Is On The Rag 35:21

3M ago35:21

35:21

The menstrual cycle has long been associated with sleep. Emerging research is uncovering more of a bidirectional relationship with sleep. In this episode we will: Provide an overview of the menstrual cycle Evaluate the reciprocity of the relationship between sleep and the menstrual cycle Discuss the roles of estrogen and progesterone in the cycle a…

1
#107 - Avoiding a Sleep Divorce: Let's Stay Together 29:54

3M ago29:54

29:54

Like it or not, the concept of a sleep divorce seems like it is here to stay. Sleeping in separate beds or bedrooms is a popular option for solving sleep issues, but is it the right choice? Are there better options. In this episode we will: Look at historical research about partner sleep Define a sleep divorce Introduce the Scandinavian Sleep Metho…

1
# 106 - Hypnosis and Sleep: Hypnotized, Mesmerized By What My Eyes Have Found 31:26

3M ago31:26

31:26

"You are getting sleepy" is what I think about when I think of hypnosis, and given that it has been looked at as a treatment for insomnia, it makes a lot of sense. While the research linking sleep and hypnosis is a both thin and evolving, there are studies to learn from. In this episode we will: Look at the history of hypnosis as a sleep/insomnia t…

1
#105 - Sleep and Air Quality: The Air Is Finally Safe To Breathe Again 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

Lately, much seems to be made about the relationship between air quality and sleep. Air purification systems have jumped on the sleep bandwagon as have good old fashioned house plants. But is there any evidence supporting this connection? In this episode we will: Look at research connecting air quality and sleep quality among various populations Ev…

1
#104 - Sleep Deprivation: Get Up, Get Up! Wake Up, Wake Up! 30:12

3M ago30:12

30:12

While we have touched on sleep deprivation in other episodes, particularly as it relates to confusion with the concept of insomnia, in this episode, we devote the entire program to a discussion of the topic. In this episode we will: Define sleep deprivation Go through the symptoms of sleep deprivation and research into many of these signs Touch upo…

1
#103 - Research from the 2024 SLEEP Scientific Conference: Pleasant Dreams at the Sleep Brain Drain 39:28

4M ago39:28

39:28

The 2024 SLEEP meeting just concluded in Houston where the greatest sleep minds come together and share the amazing academic and scientific projects and research they have been working on. Each year, the Sleep Unplugged podcast brings you some of the more noteworthy research and practical data from the meeting. In this episode we will: Review studi…

1
#102 - New Insomnia Solutions: Wrap it Up and Let Me Sleep 32:34

4M ago32:34

32:34

Insomnia requires a multidisciplinary approach to solve and what's right for one individual may not be for another. In this episode, I introduce eleven different products that I have been sent and talk about who might benefit from their use. In this episode, we will: Discuss Ryze mushroom beverage mix and learn how it might help promote relaxation …

1
#101 - Sleep and the Armed Forces: Join the Military Service 29:14

4M ago29:14

29:14

The United States Military has a fascinating relationship with sleep. What organization needs it more, but often finds themselves neglecting it. In this episode we will: Explore the sleep challenges of military training schools Document the sleep deprivation of military officers Review the Air Force regulations related to sleep List the various obs…

1
#100 - 100 Surprising Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Secrets for Amazing Sleep: Here's a List 27:09

4M ago27:09

27:09

To celebrate the 100th episode of the Sleep Unplugged podcast, here is a all-encompassing list of 100 habits and good practices healthy sleepers employ. How many are you currently following? In this episode we will: Highlight ways to improve your sleep Think about items that might indicate your sleep is not optimized Evaluate our habits, activities…

1
#99 - Dementia and Sleep: Because I Don’t Remember 31:23

5M ago31:23

31:23

In episode 62, we began to look at the role sleep plays in memory. In episode 65, we looked at the condition REM behavior disorder and how this neurodegenerative condition is often associated with telling sleep disorders. We continue both of these dialogues in this episode. In this episode we will: Look at research linking sleep disorders and inade…

1
#98 - Insomnia and Belief: You Only Perceive What You Believe 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

One of the aspects of insomnia that can be both a perpetuating factor and and target for treatment is exploring dysfunctional beliefs. In this episode we will: Explore different types of insomnia beliefs Understand how these beliefs impact insomnia therapy Look at the relationship between dysfunctional sleep beliefs and depression and alcohol abuse…

1
#97 - Nightmare Disorder: Nights So Cruel I Thought I'd Die 29:28

5M ago29:28

29:28

Dreams happen, and unfortunately, sometimes those dreams are nightmares. For most, these terrifying nights are few and far between. For a small few, nightmares become a frequent and unwanted nighttime norm. In this episode we will: Revisit parasomnias, in this case nightmare disorder, and determine what defines it Differentiate this disorder from n…

1
#96 - Narcolepsy Stories: My Patience Has Reached Its End 38:25

5M ago38:25

38:25

Narcolepsy is a misunderstood medical disorder and as such, it generates some fascinating stories and anecdotes when you treat narcolepsy. In this episode we will: Discuss the difficulties narcolepsy patients go through just refilling their medications Dissect the idea of narcolepsy patients and abuse of their drugs Evaluate the enthusiasm the medi…

1
#95 - Sleep and Breath: Every Breath You Take 38:34

6M ago38:34

38:34

The health benefits of yoga are widely espoused, but for many, the belief is that the benefits are derived mainly from the physical nature of the poses or asanas. The breathing exercises and techniques (pranayama) are often ignored. In this episode, we will: -Explore the sleep-specific benefits of breathwork to not only bring oxygen to the brain, b…

1
#94 - Grounding and Sleep: I Felt The Earth Beneath My Feet 35:59

6M ago35:59

35:59

Though widely regarded as pseudoscience for many years, there has been a recent resurgence in the practice of earthing/grounding. This practice aims to dissipate excess electrical charge and reestablish electrical homeostasis. While the act of grounding is common practice in high voltage appliances, is it really necessary of beneficial in the human…

1
#93 - 10 Strange Insomnia Treatments: Rock Yourself to Sleep 35:59

6M ago35:59

35:59

There are no shortage of insomnia treatments and we have covered many on this podcast. In honor of April Fool's Day, we spotlight 10 unusual treatments and continue our yearly tradition of sharing the funniest listener comments about the show. In this episode we will: Discuss biofeedback as a potential insomnia therapy Evaluate the act of rocking o…

1
#92 - Sleep and Nicotine: I’d Have Another Cigarette But I Can’t ‘Sleep’ 29:31

6M ago29:31

29:31

When it comes to substances affecting sleep negatively, it seems alcohol and caffeine hog all of the spotlight. But what about nicotine? While the number of younger individuals who smoke is declining, the advent of vaping and oral nicotine pouches is rising, and the effects on the sleep of the users is not positive. In this episode we will: Examine…

1
#91 - Drowsy Driving: Asleep at the Wheel 39:02

6M ago39:02

39:02

In a 2017 study, approximately one-third of the respondents reported having fallen asleep driving within the last month. Sleepy driving is a massive public health problem leading to thousands of preventable accidents, deaths, and injuries every year. In this episode we will: Define drowsy driving Outline the scope of this public health problem Eval…

1
#90 - Sleep and Hospitality: Gotta Hurry On Back To My Hotel Room 35:07

7M ago35:07

35:07

One of the most interesting trends in sleep is the growing number of hotels and hospitality centers that are embracing sleep as a primary focus for their patrons. Equinox Hotel in New York City has fully embraced the topic in almost everything they offer their guests from spa experiences to a room that goes "Dark, Quiet, and Cool" with the touch of…

1
#89 - Circadiansomnia: I Was Up Before The Dawn 38:59

7M ago38:59

38:59

Over the last two years, we have covered several circadian rhythm disorders...jet lag disorder and shift work disorder as well as covering the general concept of a circadian rhythm. For some individuals, they have an intrinsic desynchrony with the times they are expected to be awake. In this episode we will: Review the role of the circadian rhythm …

1
#88 - Weighted Blankets: Pushing Down On Me, Pressing Down On You 34:14

7M ago34:14

34:14

Weighted blankets have soared in popularity over the past decade and they often promise better sleep. What exactly dose the evidence say and for what practical purposes can these products be useful? In this episode, we will: Review the nervous system pathways for perceiving touch and pressure Describe how pressure has a calming effect on the body v…

1
#87 - Sleep Masks: I'll Wear a Mask for You 26:31

7M ago26:31

26:31

A simple piece of cloth over the eyes can have a powerful effect of the quality on an individual's sleep. The evolution of the sleep mask has been profound and the available literature of their effectiveness, particularly in the hospital setting has be extensively studied. In this episode we will: Outline the effects of sleep masks on sleep Review …

1
#86 - Sleep and Bedding: Lay Me Down In Sheets of Linen 31:20

8M ago31:20

31:20

Picking the right mattress and pillow is important. Choosing the right material that goes over your mattress is equally essential. Bedding materials come in many forms and they can make a difference in your sleep experience. In this episode we will: Look at the research about bedding and disease modification Understand the temperature-regulating pr…

1
#85 - Insomnia and Fear: So Scared to Sleep 34:38

8M ago34:38

34:38

It's hard to find insomnia without a healthy dose of fear or anxiety. Few individuals make an appointment to see a sleep specialist only to let them know that the situation is no big deal and frankly enjoyable. Fear not only plays a huge role in the development and worsening of insomnia, it also offers an insight into a potential solution. In this …

1
#84 - Sleep and Smart Phones: No One’s Answering 39:39

8M ago39:39

39:39

The research on sleep and cell phone use is negative and there is an overwhelming amount of it. The negative impacts on sleep affect all age groups and demographics. While the impact on mood, memory, and attention is clearly sizable, the impact on sleep exists independently from these effects. In this episode we will: Examine the effects of cell ph…

1
#83 - Brain Fog and Sleep: There's Someone In My Head, But It's Not Me 31:42

8M ago31:42

31:42

While brain fog has been described in many contexts, its incidence has soared since Covid. While the existence of brain fog is clearly real, its lack of clear definition and delineation from similar disorders does inject diagnostic and therapeutic confusion into the clinical setting. In this episode we will: Offer elements central to the definition…

1
#82 - Exploding Head Syndrome: Exploding In The Night 29:01

9M ago29:01

29:01

If catathrenia (Episode 30) is the parasomnia that bothers everyone except the sleeper, exploding head syndrome (EHS) is the parasomnia the only bothers the sleeper, and very much so at that. Imaging being awakened by a sound so loud and dreadful that you awaken certain that you are about to die. In this episode we will: Define exploding head syndr…

1
#81 - Insomnia and Social Isolation: We’re Afraid To Be Alone 36:59

9M ago36:59

36:59

In 2023, the Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an 82-page advisory entitled, "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation" and it details the health consequences of social isolation and lack of social support. In the report, sleep was specifically highlighted as an aspect of health affected by social isolation. This highlights an important con…

1
#80 - Weight Training and Sleep: Keep on Lifting 25:30

9M ago25:30

25:30

Happy new year! It's 2024 and with a new year comes resolutions to join a gym and get into shape. The podcast has explored exercise and sleep relationships before, but is there a benefit to lifting weights? In this episode we will: Touch on current gym use statistics Revisit the impact sleep has on weight training, recovery, and athletic gains Deta…

1
#79 - 2023 Sleep Unplugged Awards: I'm Winning And I Don't Intend On Losing Again 25:09

9M ago25:09

25:09

Another year calendar year of the Sleep Unplugged podcast has come to a close. With the escalation in podcast popularity soaring, the 2023 Sleepy Awards seem all the more important and exciting. It's fun to sing the praises of these special sleep colleagues as 2023 comes to a close. Join me as we celebrate some of the brightest stars within the fie…

1
#78 - Central Sleep Apnea: Let Me Catch My Breath To Breathe 36:23

10M ago36:23

36:23

Throughout the podcast, we have shone a light on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but the lesser known (and less common central sleep apnea) has gotten little attention. In this episode, we will: Define central sleep apnea Differentiate central apnea from obstructive Understand the mechanisms that create central apnea Describe how obstructive and …

1
#77 - Sleep Trackers: Seemed Like The Real Thing 39:09

10M ago39:09

39:09

Sleep trackers are everywhere and depending on the voice you are listening to, they are either the secret to hacking your sleep or worthless pieces of plastic on your wrist. The world of consumer sleep trackers is vast and confusing. In this episode we will: Discuss the basics of monitoring sleep Understand the role of surrogates in the measurement…

1
#76 - Insomnia and Popular Media: I Love To Watch Things On TV 36:41

10M ago36:41

36:41

Apple TV (not Max as stated in my episode) has a new show about two friends with Insomnia called Still Up. It is another example of the media portraying sleep disorders, but how accurate is the depiction, More to the point, is it a helpful perspective or does it simply perpetuate harmful ideas and stereotypes? In this episode we will: Consider the …

1
#75 - Eating At Night: Bittersweet I Could Taste In My Mouth 27:10

10M ago27:10

27:10

Within the world of sleep disorders, there is often confusion surrounding disorders that feature nocturnal food consumption. These disorders share many similarities, but their distinctions are worth understanding. In this episode we will: Describe the disorders of nocturnal eating Characterize the incidence of these conditions List the comorbid dia…

1
#74 - The 2nd Annual Holiday Sleep Gift Guide Extravaganza: This Is What I Give To You 23:53

10M ago23:53

23:53

The Sleep Unplugged podcast is here to ease your holiday shopping stress with some of my favorite sleep product companies. In this episode, we will explore a host of sleep-themed gift ideas and product recommendations. many with unique discount codes for their purchases. In this episode, we will feature the following products: Ayo circadian lightin…

1
#73 - Sleep Inertia: I Can’t Wake Up 25:31

11M ago25:31

25:31

It can be hard to wake up. For some people, it is almost impossible. Sleep inertia is the medical term of an inability to awaken in the morning. In this episode we will: Define sleep inertia Describe how sleep inertia interacts with our homeostatic and circadian drives Understand the occupational hazards of sleep inertia Postulate what function sle…

1
#72 - Insomnia and the Gut Microbiome: Empty Stomach, Empty Head 32:36

11M ago32:36

32:36

A relatively new frontier of medicine is the exploration of the gut microbiome and its relationship to our body's functioning, health, and susceptibility to disease. The gut-brain axis represents a relatively strong relationship between the gut microbiome and our body's ability to function properly, and it has been proposed that this relationship i…

1
#71 - Sleep and Extreme Temperatures: Hot Blooded/Cold As Ice 36:05

11M ago36:05

36:05

Saunas and cold-water tanks are everywhere in their personal fitness and recover space. These modalities have also been linked to improving sleep parameters, but is there any science behind the claims? In this episode, we will: Examine the use of sauna therapy and cold-water immersion (CWI) in elite athletics, and the relative adoption rate for bot…

1
#70 - Sleep and Injury: Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? 35:52

11M ago35:52

35:52

One of the most common questions I am asked about sleep is, "What are the adverse health consequences of inadequate sleep?" While I am quick to answer something related to cardiovascular or cognitive health, physical injury is not one that comes to mind immediately, but new evidence suggests it should. In this episode, we will: Discuss sleep mechan…

1
#69 - Somniloquy: Keep On Talking In My Sleep 27:36

12M ago27:36

27:36

Perhaps the most common sleep disorder in the world is sleep talking. It most likely affects at least half of all individuals at some point in their life. With the condition being this common, there are still many misunderstandings about sleep talking. In this episode we will: Define sleep talking as a parasomnia Review the incidence of sleep talki…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chris Winter Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide