Ideas change everything

What is melatonin -- and should you take it to fall asleep?

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Matt Walker |

Sleeping with Science

• December 2021

Melatonin is the hormone that tells our brains and bodies it's time to sleep. But if you think melatonin supplements will significantly improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, you may have been misled. Sleep scientist Matt Walker shares how this "hormone of darkness" really works.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Melatonin is the hormone that tells our brains and bodies it's time to sleep. But if you think melatonin supplements will significantly improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, you may have been misled. Sleep scientist Matt Walker shares how this "hormone of darkness" really works.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

About the speaker

Sleep scientist, professor, author

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Matt Walker is a brain scientist trying to understand why we sleep.

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Sleeping with Science

Sleep — we spend one-third of our lives doing it, but what exactly do we get out of it? And how can we do it better? In this TED series, sleep scientist Matt Walker uncovers the facts and secrets behind our nightly slumber.

null - *Sleeping with Science*

Why We Sleep

Why We Sleep explains how caffeine and alcohol affect your sleep. What really happens during dreaming? Why do our sleep patterns change across a lifetime? How do sleeping pills affect us and can they do long-term damage? The book goes on to describe how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood and energy levels; slow the effects of aging while lowering the risk of Alzheimer's, obesity and diabetes; enhance the education and lifespan of our children; and boost the efficiency, success and productivity of our businesses.