# Mattress Firm and Vox Join Forces for Insightful Sleep Podcast
Written on
Understanding the Importance of Sleep
The phrase “it put me to sleep” is often seen as a negative critique for a podcast, but with the launch of the "Are You Sleeping?" series from Mattress Firm and Vox Media, it’s quite the opposite. This new podcast, released in honor of World Sleep Day, aims to explore the crucial role of sleep in our lives.
The series consists of ten episodes, with the first airing on April 1. Each episode features compelling narratives and community-driven inquiries that shed light on the significance of sleep. Listeners can expect a deep dive into varied sleep experiences, enriched by commentary from medical and cultural experts.
The inaugural episode features host Kate Berlant, who investigates humanity's often fraught relationship with sleep and emphasizes its importance in our lives. In a society that prizes constant achievement, rest frequently becomes the first casualty. Millions of adults grapple with sleep issues, feeling isolated in their struggles. The escalating demands of work coincide with rising economic, health, and environmental uncertainties, prompting the question: why have we lost touch with the rest we desperately need?
Exploring Sleep Through Diverse Narratives
Stand-up comedian and writer Kate Berlant leads "Are You Sleeping?" with her unique blend of humor and curiosity about sleep’s mysteries. Each episode features engaging discussions with guests who share unexpected and previously unheard sleep-related tales.
In addition, the podcast includes insights from prominent experts, such as Dr. Shelby Harris, who help listeners comprehend how sleep influences our identities and shapes our waking lives.
“Unlike others, sleep is foundational in my life. My fascination with it dates back to the late 80s. Hosting this podcast allows me to engage with incredible individuals about their sleep experiences and how it impacts their lives,” Berlant expressed.
The podcast's guests share an array of stories, from sisters with a rare gene allowing them to thrive on just four to five hours of sleep, to artists whose creativity flourishes during slumber. Listeners will also hear from an Olympic bobsledder who discusses the correlation between sleep and peak performance, as well as a neuroscientist devoted to researching sleep and its supernatural associations.
The series features:
- Lauren Gibbs: An Olympic athlete who modified her sleep patterns to meet rigorous performance demands.
- Joanne Osmond & Jane Evans: Sisters who discovered their unique sleep habits and participated in a study with Dr. Ying-Hui Fu to delve into their short-sleep gene.
- Baland Jalal: A PhD researcher who shares his experiences with sleep paralysis and its influence on his academic pursuits.
- Brian Badgette: Discusses lucid dreaming and how it runs in his family.
- Amy Scurria: A composer who finds creative inspiration in her dreams.
- Antoinette McIntosh: A truck driver navigating her unconventional sleep cycle.
- Kameron Schmid: Reflects on his experiences of living in his car while dealing with trauma and how he rebuilt his sleep habits.
Commitment to Better Sleep for All
“Mattress Firm is dedicated to ensuring everyone sleeps soundly for a better life,” stated John Eck, President and CEO of Mattress Firm. “Sleep is intensely personal yet universally shared. We are thrilled to blend our passion for sleep with storytelling in this captivating podcast series, aiming to reach countless individuals struggling with sleep and offer insights into its importance.”
Listen to Episode 1 [HERE](#).