By Dominique Michelle Astorino, August 05, 2021

At its most basic, a nocturnal panic attack is just that: a panic attack that happens at night. Sometimes known as sleep or nighttime panic attacks, a nocturnal panic attack occurs in lighter stages of sleep (vs. deep sleep) without any obvious triggers and often wakes the person up from their slumber, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. And unlike when you wake up from a nightmare, “there will be no recall of the dream” or what was making you panic while catching Z’s, he explains.

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Jenna Ryu USA TODAY, Jul. 26, 2021

“When people are stuck or suffering, well-guided change can be beneficial, and psychedelics are agents that encourage such transformative experiences,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who specializes in psychiatry and sleep medicine but does not use psychedelic treatments with his patients because the treatments are illegal. He adds psychedelics can encourage users to “connect loose themes” and experience “improved lucidity and memory.” But that does not mean they are for everyone or should be used recreationally.

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By Mili Godio, Shop TODAY, July 19, 2021

Board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD, suggested looking for an air mattress with a more breathable or cooling material (like a cooling gel) between the sleeper and the plastic part of the mattress “so you can cool down and not sweat during the night.” If you can’t find an air mattress with a cooling layer built in, you can also invest in a cooling mattress topper, especially for hot summer nights outdoors.

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Isadora Baum・July 18, 2021

“Night affirmation is the process of making positive statements about oneself before falling asleep, such as ‘I did my best today,’ or ‘as I drift off to sleep, I release all worry and tension,’” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. In theory, it’s supposed to help improve mood and confidence, so that you can feel more relaxed and happy. It’s hard to go to sleep when you’re feeling tense or worried, and by repeating night affirmations around positive self-image and stress relief, you could help quiet your mind.

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By Sarah Fielding, July 13, 2021

“Some people with anxiety are too awake, while others with depression or low energy may be too inclined into the sleepy direction,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine.  “My anxious or stressed patients will often have what I call ‘battlefield sleep’—how you would sleep if you were on a battlefield,” adds Dimitriu. “It would take longer to fall asleep, sleep would be light and easily interrupted, and you would wake too early—after about five to six hours—the bare minimum required to survive and keep going.”

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The NFRW included feedback from Dr. Alex in their post: The Glow Up Challenge: 41+ Experts Share Their Best Tips 

Dr. Alex included some tips about sleep habits you can start using tonight to get a better night’s sleep.

By Jennifer Billock JULY 04, 2021

“People with RLS will often experience an itching or burning sensation which is relieved by movement,” said Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in California. “These symptoms occur in both legs, and often get worse in the evening, closer to bedtime, and can keep people awake.” The hallmarks are pretty visible: kicking, jerking, twitching, and frequently moving legs. RLS patients feel exhausted when they wake up, even after sleeping for a full 8 hours. And they’re not the only ones—their partners are usually exhausted, as well.

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