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
Question: I get tons of sleep a night - at least 8 hours - but I still feel like I need a nap around 1 or 2 pm each day. Is this normal? Is there something I could be doing to avoid this early-afternoon energy crash? Dr. Blaivas: Thanks for your interesting question. I covered many pertinent issues in regard to... Read more
There are many other medications that are used for the treatment of insomnia, as well as a number of both over-the-counter (OTC) and herbal remedies that are available and are in frequent use. The most common OTC medication used as a sleep aid is antihistamines. Usually used for cold or allergy symptoms, these medications can cause... Read more