The Role of the Downstate for Sleep, Restoration and Longevity with Dr. Sara Mednick

The Role of the Downstate for Sleep, Restoration and Longevity with Dr. Sara Mednick

Author: Dr. Kara Fitzgerald March 17, 2022 Duration: 1:14:44
Sleep – we spend a third of our lives doing it, we know it is a powerful longevity tool, yet we continue to skimp on it. I know from personal experience – improving my sleep after struggling for years was a total game-changer. And in this episode of New Frontiers, I’m joined by Dr. Sara Mednick, world-renowned sleep scientist, professor of psychology at the University of California, and director of the Sleep and Cognition Lab to discuss her exciting research findings and new lexicon for understanding stress. Together we explore why aligning sleep with the nervous system’s downstate is more important than sleep duration for optimal restoration and longevity – AND how you can use heart-rate variability to measure restore function. We also talk about green exercise, harnessing the power of dreams, setting health boundaries, the connection between meal timing and melatonin, and WOW -- so much more. This one is a gem-packed session for sure, so get ready to take some notes and get inspired! And if you don’t mind, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or wherever you listen to New Frontiers! Every thumbs-up helps us reach more people! Thank you! ~DrKF

In each episode of Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics, host Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with leading researchers and clinicians to explore the intricate science that is reshaping our approach to health. These conversations move beyond surface-level advice, digging into the mechanisms of epigenetics and the practical strategies for extending healthspan. You’ll hear detailed discussions on emerging research, with a focus on how our environment and choices influence genetic expression over a lifetime. This podcast is designed for anyone curious about the actionable science behind longevity, from healthcare practitioners seeking clinical insights to informed patients ready to engage deeply with their own wellness. The dialogue is grounded in functional medicine principles, translating complex studies into meaningful information that can be applied both in clinical settings and daily life. Dr. Fitzgerald guides these explorations with a clear and thoughtful perspective, ensuring each episode builds a comprehensive understanding of how modern science is personalizing the path to lasting health. Tune in for a nuanced and evidence-based journey to the forefront of medicine.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald | New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Longevity, Epigenetics
Podcast Episodes
Guide to Building a Sustainable Concierge Longevity Practice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:28
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Dr. Brooke Stubbs, an internal and lifestyle medicine physician who transitioned from hospital medicine to a concierge model focused on prevention and personalization. Together, they di…
Reversing Aging: Screening, Wearables & What To Do Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
Dr. Kara Fitzgerald talks with Sergey Young, founder of the Longevity Vision Fund and XPRIZE board member, about the future of aging medicine. Hear how AI, wearables, new diagnostics, and early screening are making longe…
Aging & Hair Loss Explained: OS-01’s Science-Backed Approach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:43
Hair loss is more than cosmetic. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald explores new research on the OS-01 peptide and its role in targeting senescent cells. Learn how peptide therap…
The Bile Acid Imbalance Accelerating Aging: How to Detect ​& Fix It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:18
Have you ever struggled to understand why some patients just don’t respond as expected, even when you’re following all the usual gut protocols? In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Tom Fabian, who breaks down the latest…
Why Functional Medicine Is the Future of Longevity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:16
Can functional medicine unlock the secrets to healthy aging? In this special preview of the Functional Medicine is Longevity Medicine™ Masterclass happening on September 17- September 19, 2025, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits d…
Why Centenarians Are Defying Science: Secrets to Living 100+ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:19
It was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Nir Barzilai for a conversation that turned out to be both lively and thought-provoking. His decades of research on centenarians, biological age, and the hallmarks of aging have sha…