At-home biohacking that actually works

Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss:

• The Sensate • Vagus nerve toning • New research on the vagus nerve • The parasympathetic system • The Eight Sleep mattress • Data around sleep • Dr Matthew Walker • The Oura ring • The Whoop tracker • Sauna blankets • Portable ice baths • Budget options • Weighted blankets • Acupressure mats • Cuddle parties

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Dr Sophie and Fiona mention a few devices, people, ideas and studies – all the links are here (press ‘episode website’ for the full list):

The Sensate The Eight Sleep mattress The Oura ring Whoop Apollo Myzone Aeyla weighed blankets

vBloc have FDA approval for a pacemaker-like device that can be implanted in patients with high body mass index.

Another company have created a wire you could wrap around the vagus nerve in the neck, potentially helping to reduce the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy.

There’s also an earbud device that stimulates a part of the vagus nerve that branches out into the middle of the ear to help reduce anxiety.

There are even some schools of thoughts that vagus nerve stimulation – or vagal toning - might improve brain health.

There’s emerging data that if you pair vagal nerve stimulation with certain behaviours, you can improve “plasticity.” For example, one study has been pairing vagal stimulation through the ear with teaching babies how to breastfeed. It could also potentially help stroke patients who are trying to gain mobility in parts of their bodies – or even someone trying to learn a new skill such as learn a new language.

There’s emerging science from Dr Joe Dispenza on the health benefits of mediation.

Dr Sophie mentions Dr Matthew Walker and ‘Why we sleep’ inc. the data he’s amassed – for example:

After one week of short sleep, blood sugar levels are disrupted so significantly that your GP would classify you as pre-diabetic. Men who are limited to just four or five hours of sleep a night in just one week will have a level of testosterone usually seen in someone 10 years older. Lack of sleep can increase risk of diabetes, obesity and dementia. A lack of sleep will cause you to eat more during the day. Because when you’re tired your body produces more of a hormone call ghrelin, which tells you you’re hungry. That can lead to people who are not getting sufficient sleep eating somewhere between an extra 280 to 400 calories every single day.

The show briefly mentions Sleepme’s Chilipad Dock Pro; BedJet 3; and Sleep Number Climate360.

The Oura can be paired with the Natural Cycles app.

The show mentions Aeyla’s weighted blankets and acupressure mats from Bed of Nails.

More on cuddle parties here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuddle_party

The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.