The sleep habit that quietly raises your risk of heart disease | Dr Kristen Knutson

The podcast explores the science of sleep and circadian rhythms, emphasizing that optimal health depends not only on sleep duration but also on timing, regularity, and synchronicity with internal biological clocks. Dr. Kristen Knutson, a sleep and circadian researcher, explains how light exposure, meal timing, and exercise influence circadian health and impact risks for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The discussion covers the importance of morning light for synchronizing the central clock, the dangers of evening light exposure, and the role of melatonin as a timing signal rather than a sleep aid. Knutson highlights the significance of aligning daily activities with one's chronotype and cautions against the health risks associated with chronic circadian disruption, such as social jet lag and shift work.