#140 - Tired but Wired

Exploring the "tired but wired" state where exhaustion meets an overactive alerting system, Matt explains that insomnia is often a disorder of hyperarousal rather than a lack of sleep drive. Using metabolic data and brain activity, he shows how an internal "accelerator" remains pressed despite an empty fuel tank, causing the body and brain to stay alert when they should be resting.

Matt shares evidence-based CBT-I tools to break this cycle, including the "cognitive shuffle" and specific imagery to quiet racing thoughts. He also covers muscle relaxation and rhythmic breathing to trigger a physiological stand-down. By practicing stimulus control - leaving bed when awake - listeners can stop associating the bedroom with wakefulness and finally lower their internal alerting systems.

Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

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As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt:

Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomat