Christian Benedict answers questions about sleep in SVT's Fråga Doktorn

How does a sleep researcher become an expert guest on Fråga Doktorn (“Ask the doctor”)?
In fact, this is the third time I've participated in Fråga Doktorn, but it's been a while since the last time, so the editorial team contacted me and wondered if there is anything exciting going on in sleep research. And if you let a sleep researcher answer that question, you can count on a "yes", so last Tuesday we taped the episode.

Which questions from the public do you address in the program?
The host noted that they had received enough questions to last five episodes, and they were really of all kinds. We talked about everything from sleep apnea, screen time and restless legs to how to improve your odds of a good night's sleep. There were also questions about how individuals can tackle their specific sleep problems, but unfortunately, that's not something that can be solved from a TV studio.

What else can the viewers expect?
I was asked to speak slowly and clearly on the show – and judging by the praise I received for how slowly I spoke during the taping, viewers will probably think I am on sedatives. We also do a test of how heavy a weighted blanket actually is, and the result definitely surprised host Sofia Rågklint. What viewers don't get to see is that doctor Jens Persson has a great and genuine interest in sleep, which led to several interesting talks off camera.

What do you wish viewers will take home after watching the show?
Above all, that those who suffer from long-term sleep problems will be inspired to find the underlying causes instead of looking for quick solutions online. Document your sleep habits and seek help from healthcare. It's sort of like owning a grumpy car: to get a correct diagnosis you need to take it to a knowledgeable repairman, to fix it you need the right tools.

You're often in the media and have written several bestsellers, are people starting to approach you on the streets to talk about sleep?
The other day a flight attendant asked if I was the "sleep doctor" and I was just recognized at ICA, so it certainly happens. At the same time, I want to help spread knowledge about sleep, and so far today I've been interviewed by both Chef Magazine and SVT News - and with that, of course, people will sooner or later recognize my face.

What is going on at Lab Benedict when journalists don't call?
We have two articles in the works that we're very proud of. First up is a study that we're publishing in BMC Medicine focusing on how night work affects young women. Our results show that disrupted sleep can cause both increased stress and cravings for junk food. There is great interest in this study and on Friday I will tell more about our results in SVT News.

Text: Magnus Alsne, photo: Mikael Wallerstedt a o