<p><b>Matt welcomes UCSF sleep expert Dr. Aric Prather to the podcast this week to discuss the science of psychoneuroimmunology: the link between our behavior and immune health. After a primer on the immune system’s innate and adaptive arms, Dr. Prather details how insufficient sleep dramatically increases your risk of catching a cold, significantly blunts vaccine effectiveness by reducing antibody response, and promotes a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation - a known pathway to numerous age-related diseases.</b></p><p><b>Ultimately, the conversation illuminates a profound and actionable truth: sleep is arguably our most powerful, yet tragically overlooked, weapon in the daily battle for immunological health.</b></p><p><b>Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.</b></p><p><b>One of our sponsors this week is the biochemical electrolyte drink company</b><a href="https://drinklmnt.com/"><b> LMNT</b></a><b>, and they are very kindly offering eight free sample packs when you purchase any one of their orders at</b><a href="http://drinklmnt.com/mattwalker"><b> drinklmnt.com/mattwalker</b></a><b>.</b><a href="https://drinklmnt.com/"><b> LMNT</b></a><b> is an electrolyte sports drink that I can get behind - it's created from the basis of science, and it has no sugar, no coloring, and no artificial ingredients – all qualities that are so important to maintaining your blood biochemical balance. And now their new Lemonade Salt is squeezing onto the scene Tuesday, May 20th! This limited-time flavor is here to keep you at your best all summer long, and, just like summer, it’s here for a good time, </b><b><em>not</em></b><b> a long time, so stock up while supplies last! If you want to give</b><a href="https://drinklmnt.com/"><b> </b></a><b>Lemonade Salt or any of the fantastic LMNT flavors a try, just head on over to</b><a href="http://drinklmnt.com/mattwalker"><b> drinklmnt.com/mattwalker</b></a><b> and get your free Sample Pack with your first purchase.</b></p><p><b>Matt will be the first to tell you that launching his sleep-related merchandise sales was incredibly smooth, thanks to our new sponsor </b><a href="https://www.shopify.com/"><b>Shopify</b></a><b> and their integrated sales and inventory system. And now, just for you,  </b><a href="https://www.shopify.com/"><b>Shopify</b></a><b> is generously offering an exclusive trial at </b><a href="http://shopify.com/mattwalker"><b>shopify.com/mattwalker</b></a><b>. Whether it's online or in-person sales, Shopify simplifies it all. So, be sure to stop in at </b><a href="http://shopify.com/mattwalker"><b>shopify.com/mattwalker</b></a><b> to start your exclusive journey now! </b></p><p><br></p><p><b>Matt’s good friend Dr. Peter Attia has helped develop </b><a href="https://davidprotein.com/"><b>David</b></a><b>, a revolutionary new protein bar, and a sponsor of today’s episode! 28g of protein, 0g sugar, only 150 calories – the best ratio EVER! Amazing taste, six flavors, incredibly satiating, and a great source of the protein that helps build muscle, manage metabolic health, and keep you full. Visit </b><a href="http://davidprotein.com/mattwalker"><b>davidprotein.com/mattwalker</b></a><b> now for an amazing deal: Buy 4 cartons, and get a 5th FREE! . Hurry! Your new favorite protein bar awaits!</b></p><p><b>As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out:</b></p><p><b>Matt: Instagram </b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drmattwalker/?hl=en"><b>@drmattwalker</b></a><b>, X </b><a href="https://x.com/sleepdiplomat"><b>@sleepdiplomat</b></a><b>, </b></p><p><b>YouTube </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomatmattwalker9299"><b>https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomatmattwalker9299</b></a></p><p><b>Dr. Aric Prather: </b><a href="https://www.aricprather.com/"><b>https://www.aricprather.com/</b></a></p>