The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
Essentials: How to Defeat Jet Lag, Shift Work & Sleeplessness
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explore science-backed protocols to combat jet lag, manage shift work, and optimize sleep across different stages of life.
I discuss “temperature minimum” — a simple and reliable measurement that helps you quickly adjust to new time zones and counteract the negative effects of nocturnal shift work. I also provide actionable tools for regulating sleep and wake cycles in babies and new parents.
The episode emphasizes the critical role of circadian rhythms, influenced by factors like light exposure, temperature regulation, and eating schedules. Practical tools include using light to shift your circadian clock, understanding the role of temperature in sleep, and adopting strategies to improve rest without medication. Whether you’re a shift worker, a parent of a newborn, or someone facing sleep challenges, this episode offers valuable guidance for enhancing recovery and overall well-being.
Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday.
Read the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
AeroPress: https://aeropress.com/huberman
ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman
Timestamps
00:00:00 Introduction to Huberman Lab Essentials
00:00:45 Understanding Circadian Rhythms
00:02:32 Optimizing Light Exposure for Better Sleep
00:04:46 Tools: Combating Jet Lag
00:05:50 Sponsor: AeroPress
00:07:15 The Science of Jet Lag & Longevity
00:10:57 Temperature Minimum: Key to Circadian Adjustment
00:16:49 Sponsor: AG1
00:19:24 Melatonin: Uses & Misconceptions
00:23:23 Sponsor: ROKA
00:24:33 Shift Work: Managing Irregular Schedules
00:26:50 Sleep Strategies for Different Age Groups
00:29:15 Conclusion & Key Takeaways