Chasing Sleep

Hosts Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro explore the fundamental relationship between our sleep and nature in the finale of Season 2 of “Chasing Sleep.” Discover how losing our bond to nature has impaired our ability to get quality restorative sleep. Episode guests Richard Louv, author of the influential book “Last Child in the Woods” and Sleep psychologist Dr Jade Wu discuss how to prevent “Nature Deficit Disorder”, ways to improve sleep by harnessing the power of nature and the potential impacts of climate change and urbanization on sleep patterns. Could “green exercise,” forest bathing, or sunrise alarm clocks offer the key to better rest?

“Chasing Sleep” is a production of Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia in partnership with Mattress Firm.

Each year, Americans spend an estimated $64 billion on sleep supplements. In this episode, Katie and Adam ask Danielle LaFata, Director of Performance Nutrition for the NBA's Phoenix Suns and renowned sleep specialist Dr. W. Chris Winter to unravel the science behind popular sleep aids like melatonin, magnesium, and CBD. How do they work? Do they safely improve sleep or is it merely a placebo effect? How can sleep supplements contribute to the four major pillars of health (nutrition, fitness, mindfulness and sleep)? Learn how sleep aids could affect your waking life, physical and mental performance, and when to take them if needed. 

“Chasing Sleep” is a production of Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia in partnership with Mattress Firm.

How does your work quality improve when you get better sleep? Hosts Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro speak with Ben & Jerry’s executive Sean Greenwood and renowned neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. Chris Winter to find out. Chris explains why the CEOs and pro sports teams he consults with invest in sleep for performance, problem-solving abilities, competitiveness, and professional relationships. Sean shares the ice cream giant's unique approach to promoting employee wellness, including the implementation of an on-site Nap Room at their home offices in Vermont. This episode may change your opinion about whether it’s ok to "sleep on the job."

“Chasing Sleep” is a production of Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia in partnership with Mattress Firm.

In this episode of “Chasing Sleep”, hosts Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro dive into the connection between sleep and creativity, exploring the value of quality sleep to the creative process. Dr. Sara C. Mednick, author of "The Power of the Downstate" and "Take a Nap! Change Your Life," explains how specific sleep phases like REM sleep influence physiological processes and brain waves to enhance creativity. We're also joined by musical composer Andrew "Drew" Edwards, renowned for his work in film and TV scoring. Drew shares his personal story of how getting on a sleep schedule that aligned with his sleep cycles allows for maximum creativity. 

“Chasing Sleep” is a production of Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia in partnership with Mattress Firm.

We’ve all heard of “early bird specials,” but does that mean we’re all destined for dinner at 4pm and bedtime at 8pm? Do we need more sleep as we age and what role does sleep play in the way we maintain health as we age? In this episode, Katie and Adam talk with UCLA behavioral sleep medicine specialist Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and geriatric care expert Sarah Brown and learn how quality sleep can enhance quality of life by supporting immune system health, memory consolidation, mental alertness, and even a healthy sex life. Plus, find out how sleep impacts our body’s aging process.

“Chasing Sleep” is a production of Ruby Studios from iHeartMedia in partnership with Mattress Firm.