Episode 310: Unpacking the Science of Sleep with Dr. Allison Brager

Welcome back to the FlexDiet Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allison Brager, a PhD neuroscientist, CrossFit athlete, and military sleep expert, to unpack everything you need to know about the science of sleep. We dive deep into the phases of sleep, circadian rhythms, and chronotypes, plus we take a critical look at popular sleep advice—what’s backed by science and what’s just noise? Dr. Brager also shares fascinating insights on sleep in the military, how to optimize recovery for athletes, and the biochemistry behind quality sleep. Looking for practical strategies and the best sleep supplements to improve your rest? We’ve got you covered. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Dr. Mike's Fitness Insider Newsletter: Sign up for free at https://miketnelson.com/. Flex 4:  Check out Dr. Brager's top recommendations for sleep supplements: https://miketnelson.com/flex4/ Triphasic 2 book now available! Go to https://triphasic2.com/ Episode Chapters: 00:51 Deep Dive into Sleep 01:33 Top Sleep Supplements 02:11 Sponsors and Personal Updates 02:56 Conversation with Dr. Allison Braeger 03:32 Teaching at West Point 04:41 Chronotypes and Sleep Advice 09:40 Training and Sleep Optimization 13:48 Impact of Travel on Athletes 26:09 Wearables and Sleep Research 33:22 Intense Competition Experience 34:27 Lab Testing Mishaps 35:03 Competitive Nature in Athletes 36:09 Debating Sleep Stages 39:22 Heart Rate Variability and Sleep 47:00 Challenges in Sleep Research 49:38 Frustrations in Academia 55:50 Alternative Research Paths 56:26 Where to Find More Information Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:  Episode 273: Unlocking Better Sleep: Insights and Strategies from Dr. Chris Perry Episode 283: Unlocking Better Sleep and Stress Reduction with Dr. Dan Cohen of Soltec Health Connect with Dr Brager:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjockzzz/ "Meathead Unraveling the Athletic Brain": https://www.amazon.com/Meathead-Unraveling-Athletic-Allison-Brager Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpg Email: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/ Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter