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MasterClass: Matthew Walker Teaches the Science of Better Sleep

Course program

Matthew Walker Teaches the Science of Better Sleep is an online class on the MasterClass platform, led by neuroscientist and psychologist Matthew Walker. Drawing on his work at UC Berkeley’s Center for Human Sleep Science, the class explores what sleep is, why it matters, and how to improve it.

This class is for anyone curious about sleep and its impact on physical, mental, and emotional health, regardless of their background in science or medicine. It’s especially suited for people who want to understand their own sleep patterns and make practical changes for better rest.

The curriculum moves from foundational science to applied practice. Early lessons cover what sleep is, how sleep works, and the difference between night owls and morning larks. From there, Walker examines how alcohol and caffeine affect sleep, how to prevent sleep debt, and how sleep supports brain function, memory, and emotional regulation.

Later lessons dive into dreaming, sleep across the lifespan, and the connection between sleep and the body — including immunity, metabolism, and long-term health. The class also covers diet and sleep, how sleep helps us thrive, and concrete strategies for sleeping better. It closes with practical guidance on reclaiming healthy sleep habits.

Matthew Walker is a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. His research focuses on the role of sleep in human health, and he is widely recognized as a leading voice in the field.

The format is self-paced and fully online. The class contains 15 video lessons totaling 3 hours and 12 minutes, available on demand through a MasterClass membership. Students watch at their own pace on any device and can revisit lessons as needed. A membership also provides access to the full MasterClass library of more than 200 other classes.

The class has no certificate; it is aimed at improving your own sleep. Walker sets out to help you raise both the quality and quantity of your sleep, covering the effects of alcohol and caffeine, how to prevent sleep debt, why we dream, and practical ways to sleep better that support your wider health.

Meet your teacher

Matthew Walker

Matthew Walker is a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. He is recognized as a leading expert on sleep and its impact on human health.

Read more about Matthew
Matthew Walker

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