When we think about the deleterious effects of poor sleep, cardiovascular and cognitive/psychological consequences typically come first to mind. One of the less obvious and less understood effects is that of cancer which was listed as a probably carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2007. Since that time, there has been considerable efforts to understand the role plays in cancer. In this episode we will:

• Evaluate the original research looking at sleep and cancer risk
• List the cancer types commonly associated with poor/inadequate sleep
• Highlight studies that cast doubt on this relationship
• Review factors related to sleep and shift work that might influence risk
• Speculate on possible mechanisms that lead to carcinogenicity
• Touch upon steps one can take to lessen cancer risk associated with poor sleep

Produced by: Maeve Winter

More

• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!

The relationship between sleep and blood glucose is a powerful one and it impacts our weight, the way we eat, and countless other health metrics. In this episode we will:

• Introduce the concept of glycemic control
• Define insulin sensitivity and how it relates to diabetes
• Learn why sleep deficiency increases blood sugar levels
• Stress the role that cortisol and growth hormone play in glucose regulation and how sleep impacts both
• Explore the relationship between sleep stage and glucose regulation
• Emphasize sleep deprivation as a negative factor in glycemic regulation
• Understand the common pathway of sleep disorders and blood sugar control
• Follow the bidirectional relationship between elevated blood glucose levels and poor sleep quality

Produced by: Maeve Winter

More

• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!

While the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires continue to burn in California, firefighters and other first responders work tirelessly around the clock. What does their ability to bypass sleep for 48-60 hours mean in terms of individuals with insomnia, and what does this kind of work do to their own health? In this episode, we will:

• Frame the ability to temporarily derive ourselves of sleep as being a powerful tool and not necessarily a sign that sleep is bad or broken
• Examine the sleep of first responders, in particular firefighters
• Touch upon that vast number of firefighters with undiagnosed sleep disorders
• Think about the role sleep schedules play in their sleep and health

Produced by: Maeve Winter

More

• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!