Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on Fat Science for an enlightening discussion on the underestimated power of sleep. Dr. Cooper delves into the underlying causes of sleep disruption, including lifestyle factors and the societal emphasis on productivity, shedding light on its enormous impact on overall health and metabolism.   Discover how inadequate sleep can contribute to weight gain, cognitive deficits, and weakened immune function, and learn practical tips for improving sleep quality and recognizing signs of sleep apnea.   Key Takeaways:  -Optimal sleep for adults is between seven and eight hours, which is crucial for hormonal balance and decreased mortality risk.  -Melatonin can aid circadian rhythm but should be used carefully to avoid negative metabolic effects.  -Sleep apnea, often unrecognized, can provoke metabolic issues and needs to be detected and treated for overall health.  Resources from the episode: Learn more about Fat Science here. Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn. Connect with Andrea Taylor on LinkedIn. Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.   Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go (and stay!) away. In each episode, we share little-known facts and personal experiences to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and instill hope. Fat Science is committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.  If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email Mark Wright at [email protected].