Judging from the latest shareposts, it's time we get into the nitty-gritty of insomnia, which often leaves people with their feelings of aggravation and frustration. We will likely spend a few blogs trying to go through this topic in detail, and as always I encourage questions. First, I want to say insomnia is a real problem and... Read more
Anyone who has tossed and turned in bed for hours knows that it is extremely frustrating not to be able to fall asleep. Naturally, your first response to sleep problems may be a search for the best "sleep drug." However, many people do not require a medical sleep aid on a regular basis to obtain a good night of sleep. The... Read more
Question: I take 5 mg of Ambien once or twice a weekfor periodic insomnia. If I take it for more than two nights in a row, and thenstop taking it, I can't sleep at all the first night off the medication. Idon't know if this is common, or if there are any sleep medications that don'thave this unfortunate "rebound" effect. Any... Read more
Question: Does alcohol reduce REM sleep? Can alcohol make me have more vivid dreams? Dr. Blaivas: Alcohol is often used as a sleep inducer by patients, but current medical evidence suggests that this practice might be counterproductive. The effects of alcohol on sleep are variable but let me note a few important... Read more
We left off talking about the circadian rhythm and how it is primarily regulated by light during the day, helping us be more alert, and conversely by melatonin at night, making us feel sleepy. This can actually help define what type of person you are- either a lark (those who are always “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” first thing in... Read more