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Make Sleep Your Superpower

Are you tired of feeling tired? In a recent AARP study, participants said they’re not getting enough sleep, but they push through their fatigue to take care of work, family and the priorities that fill their weeks. Sleep goes on the back burner. Yet it’s crucial to good health. Take our challenge, watch enlightening TED Talks, and read up on why restorative sleep is a cornerstone of good health — including brain health — and how you can make sleep your superpower.



Take the Challenge
We all know sleep is good for us. But do know you why exactly? Or how to make it a priority and overcome the barriers to a good night’s rest? Sleep researcher Sara Mednick of University of California, Irvine, offers answers in this Make Sleep Your Superpower challenge.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER! Complete the challenge by Sept. 30, 2024, and earn double AARP Rewards points!

TED Talks on Sleep

In these bite-sized videos, neuroscientist Matthew Walker, director of the UC Berkeley Center for Human Sleep Science walks you through the science of sleep and its importance for the body and mind.

2:17

One of the best things that you can do to boost your immune system is head to bed, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. It can even make your flu shot more effective!

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep

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2:12

Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains how getting more quality shut-eye can boost fertility and vitality — plus how sex can even improve your sleep.

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep

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5:07

Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains how researchers are exploring how to use sleep to decrease our chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep

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4:47

Sleep scientist Matt Walker breaks down the difference between REM (Rapid-Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep and what occurs during each stage of sleep.

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep

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3:40

Matt Walker explains how our nightly slumber affects the emotional centers in our brains, and why we can think of sleep as first aid for our feelings.

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep

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4:42

Sleep scientist Matt Walker explains why it's important for our brains to get a good night's sleep the night before a test like we were always told.

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep,Memory

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1:58

Having trouble falling asleep — or staying asleep? Try sleep scientist Matt Walker's method on treating insomnia to help you get the sleep you need.

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep

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2:20

If you think melatonin will improve your ability to sleep and stay asleep, you may have been misled. Matt Walker shares how this "hormone of darkness" works.

TED Talks,Restorative Sleep

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