Ask Me Anything Part 22: Latitude, Pain Gating, Temperature & Shift Work

In this latest AMA instalment, Matt and Dr. Eti Ben Simon begin by discussing environmental influences on sleep. The conversation covers how high latitude and prolonged daylight disrupt circadian rhythms, with Eti sharing her own personal experience. Together, our duo shares strategies for managing light exposure and regulating core body temperature with methods like warm baths. The episode also offers evidence-based approaches for shift workers, including strategic napping and forward-rotating schedules.

The discussion then shifts to internal mechanisms, debunking the "sleep before midnight" myth and emphasizing alignment with one's chronotype. The role of the thalamus as a sensory gate for blocking pain during sleep is detailed, with Eti noting that meaningful stimuli can still break through this barrier. Finally, the use of Gabapentin is examined, outlining its limited efficacy for primary insomnia versus conditions like restless legs syndrome.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

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As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat, 

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomatmattwalker9299

Eti: X @etoosh, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eti_bensimon/,  or email at [email protected]