# Q&A special: When do you really become an adult? Plus booze, bad sleep and more

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/change-your-mind-with-new-scientist-7861716/q-a-special-when-do-you-really-become-an-adult-plus-booze-bad-sleep-and-more
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/change-your-mind-with-new-scientist-7861716/q-a-special-when-do-you-really-become-an-adult-plus-booze-bad-sleep-and-more.md
Podcast: [Change Your Mind with New Scientist](https://stenobird.com/podcast/change-your-mind-with-new-scientist-7861716)
Published: 2026-07-16T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ARML6550671848.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ARML6550671848.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/change-your-mind-with-new-scientist-7861716/episodes/q-a-special-when-do-you-really-become-an-adult-plus-booze-bad-sleep-and-more
Duration seconds: 2040

## Resource

Does your brain really stop developing at 25? How much damage does a bad night's sleep actually do? And if you stop drinking alcohol, can your brain recover? In this special listener Q&A, Cat de Lange and Helen Thomson wrap up the first series of Change Your Mind with New Scientist  by tackling your questions. Drawing on the latest neuroscience, they separate fact from fiction on some of the biggest brain health topics we've covered so far. Along the way, they reflect on the habits that surprised them most this series, from cold-water swimming to spending time alone, before diving into your questions about brain development, memory, emotions, alcohol and even whether ditching your clothes could have unexpected benefits for your mental wellbeing. Change your mind will be back in three weeks time for series two with brand new expert guests and brain-changing discoveries. We want to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment or send us your ideas and questions for future episodes at changeyourmind@newscientist.com. Produced by Emily Bird

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## Transcript

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