Episode 29 - Why we sleep by Matthew Walker, with Helen Taylor

This week on Productivity Nerd , Kathy is joined by the magnificent Helen Taylor — Ops VA, podcast wrangler, and the reason this show actually makes it to your ears. They dive into Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, a book that argues sleep isn’t just for lazy Sundays and luxury spa retreats — it’s essential for, well, everything. They talk memory, creativity, emotional regulation, and why one bad night can make you as sharp as a beach ball. They also cover dodgy academic graphs, nappucinos, and how a tired brain is no one’s friend — especially when it’s driving. Expect questions like: – Should naps be part of your workday? – Is late-night emailing basically workplace sabotage? – And why do we glorify burning out when sleeping in could make us more effective? Sleep might not be the most glamorous productivity hack — but it might just be the smartest one. Especially if you’d prefer not to be an arsey cow in the boardroom. Tune in for a nap-friendly natter with a side of science (and probably some yawns).