Dr. Aric Prather on Stress and Sleep

On today’s episode of Death Clock, host Brent Franson speaks with Dr. Aric Prather, a professor at UCSF, clinical psychologist, and author of The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest. Dr. Prather unpacks the critical relationship between sleep and stress, explaining how poor sleep increases stress sensitivity and creates a vicious cycle that can degrade long-term health. They also discuss the latest in sleep research, including wearables like the Oura Ring and Eight Sleep, and how these tools can help—or hinder—our understanding of rest. They also explore the role of diet, nighttime routines, and the often-overlooked psychological aspect of sleep perception. Whether you struggle with insomnia, want to optimize your rest, or are simply curious about the science of sleep and longevity, this episode provides helpful insights from one of the leading experts in the field. Hope you enjoy.