Allison Brager helps soldiers survive, and thrive (she's a U.S. Army neurobiologist and sleep scientist)

Allison grew up during a tumultuous time in a city bruised by crime. Playing sports helped secure a kid's reputation, so she focused on athletics, eventually becoming the first female pole-vaulter in the state of Ohio. Division I universities recruited her (she was also class valedictorian), and she settled into life at an Ivy League college. Then, she started studying sleep.Now, Major Allison Brager, PhD, is a neurobiologist working to keep soldiers safe by understanding their sleep, because not getting enough can cause "a cognitive lapse that is the difference between life and death." Her many research papers focus on circadian rhythm, jet lag, stress, sleep deprivation, caffeine and napping. We talk about gymnastics, pole vaulting, wearables, crime in her hometown, and taking brainwaves down a notch. She continues to be an avid athlete, which she documents on her very active Instagram account. You can follow her @docjockzzz on Instagram.Follow Socializing with Scientists on Instagram, Bluesky, and X. Or visit our webpage, socializingwithscientists.com.