Why Does Jet Lag Hit so Hard? | Daniel Forger
What if your mood, energy, focus – even your sense of happiness – was shaped by something you barely notice? This week, we’re looking inward (literally) to explore the hidden systems that make us tick with mathematician and circadian expert, Daniel Forger. Your internal clocks are constantly running the show, and in this episode, we unpack what that really means for how you feel and function every day.
Why is jet lag so miserable? Is my Apple Watch the key to understanding our bodies, or just overwhelming us with data? With Danny’s help, we dig into uncertainty, accuracy, circadian alignment,s and what your “sleep score” can (and can’t) tell you about your body. Along the way, we explore why timing, not just quantity, matters when it comes to sleep, and how going to bed at the wrong time can be a recipe for disaster.
Circadian rhythms are one of the most fundamental forces in human biology. They influence our moods, hormones, performance, and can even impact our levels of depression. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel like a “morning person” or “night owl”, our chat with Danny might just fundamentally change the way you look at your body’s internal timing system, and how to make it work for you rather than against you.
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Topics
[0:00] Psychologist Off the Clock!
[1:55] Intro and Speed Round with Daniel Forger
[5:44] Why Crossing Time Zones Messes You Up
[10:07] What Are Biological Rhythms?
[13:03] Is Your Apple Watch Accurate?
[22:44] How Your Biological Rhythms Impact Mood and Performance
[27:17] Could Humans Adapt to a 25-Hour Day?
[36:31] Circadian Rhythms and Happiness
[44:39] The Three Most Important Lessons About Biological Timing
[49:32] Bach, Pipe Organs, and Mathematical Patterns
[53:41] Grooving Session: The Intersection of Biology and Happiness
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AIRDATE: February 23, 2026 EPISODE 524
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Why Does Jet Lag Hit so Hard? | Daniel Forger
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