Based on the groundbreaking work presented in Why We Sleep, the New York Times bestseller by neuroscientist Matthew Walker, this keynote experience explores one of the most powerful yet least understood pillars of human health: sleep.

Through a dynamic keynote presentation followed by a moderated conversation, this session offers a compelling, science-based examination of how sleep impacts brain function, physical health, emotional regulation, learning, performance, and long-term longevity. Drawing on decades of research, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of why sleep is essential and how chronic sleep deprivation undermines both personal wellness and professional effectiveness.

The moderated discussion expands the conversation beyond theory, translating neuroscience into practical insights relevant to modern life and high-performing professionals. This engaging format encourages reflection, connection, and actionable takeaways that empower attendees to rethink their relationship with sleep and recognize it as a foundational driver of health, resilience, and success.

Upon completion of this workshop, attendees should be able to:

• Describe the physiologic and neurologic functions of sleep and their impact on overall health, cognitive performance, and longevity.

• Recognize the consequences of chronic sleep deprivation on physical health, mental well-being, and professional performance, and identify evidence-based strategies to support healthier sleep behaviors. 

Preeminent neuroscientist and psychologist Dr Matthew Walker is a celebrated sleep expert. A Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at US Berkeley, Dr Walker is also the founder and director of the school’s Center of Human Sleep Science. Dr Walker’s New York Times bestseller, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, was hailed as an “important and fascinating book” by Bill Gates. Dr Walker has received numerous funding awards from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health and is a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences. In 2020, Dr Walker was awarded the Carl Sagan Prize for Science Achievements. At the intersection of science and industry, Dr Walker has served as scientific counsel for numerous technology companies, including Google, Hello, and Fibit. Dr Walker translates his work for any industry and audience, offering his insights to business leaders, technology firms and medical and healthcare professionals. 

Dr Walker discusses the impact of sleep on human and disease in a way that is digestible for any audience and provides tangible takeaways on wellness and peak performance. Dr Walker has shed light on his groundbreaking research everywhere from Google to TED, where his talk ” Sleep is Your Superpower” has 20+ views. Dr Walker has spoken about sleep to host such as the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, TED, Google Zeitgeist, and many more.