Episode 39: The Zzzzzzz Dr. Is In with Allison Brager

I had the fantastic opportunity to sit down in person and talk to my sleep bestie Major Allison Brager about her research and expertise on snoozing. We invaded Valerie's office at Nova Southeastern before our 4th Annual Society for Neurosports Conference and talked about sleep. We also hit on her unique path to serving in the Army, her experience competing in Crossfit, and her casual foray into the United States Astronaut program.In Allison's words: I am a neurobiologist specializing in sleep and circadian rhythms for the United States Army (active duty). I work on human and animal models of study. This work examines substrates and mechanisms of resiliency to extreme environmental stress (exercise, jet lag, and sleep deprivation). I have several leadership and service positions for the federal government, professional research societies, and university departments. Currently, I sit on fatigue management and neuroenhancement working groups through NATO, US Special Operations Command, the Office of the Army Surgeon General, and inter-government (DoD, NASA, FAA, NHTSA, NIH). I have also written military training doctrine on holistic health and co-authored the first edition of the NCAA student-athlete mental health handbook. I have served on the Board of Directors and have chaired committees for the Sleep Research Society, the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms, and Gordon Research Conferences. In addition to peer-reviewed publications in flagship society journals, I have written op-eds and column pieces for Science and professional society bulletins, have been on many podcasts and authored a popular science book, Meathead: Unraveling the Athletic Brain. So what, now what??Lack of sleep is fatal, and adequate sleep is a superpower, and as Allison says, "Sleep should be your second job." Although it's tempting to jump to sleep medications, there are many steps along the spectrum in improving sleep, including simply giving yourself an adequate opportunity to get enough sleep. Take the PSQI (choose PSQI score at the end vs. 'by category')Check out Allison on IGCheck out PotCake Annie on IGBuy Allison's book MeatheadGet involved with us and the Society for Neurosports!*****Register for 7-Minute Science herePurchase FRW Swag hereGet on the Waitlist for Building Your Career in FireFollow Fire Rescue Wellness on the socials...IG | LinkedIn | TwitterDiscount Code:FRW20 at Fluid NutritionAffiliate LinksCheck out my Fringe Affiliate LinkCheck out my TryCreate Affiliate Link (20% off your order)!Check out my ChiliSleep Affiliate Link (15% off your order)!Please rate, share, and subscribe to the podcast!