In the News

Is the Scandinavian sleep method the secret to a better night’s rest? Here’s what to know

By Lindsey Lanquist, Mar 5, 2024 The Scandinavian sleep method also creates two personalized sleep environments within the same bed. Instead of compromising on duvet thickness and texture, each partner can pick a blanket that suits their needs and preferences. This is more expensive than sharing a blanket, and it gives you more to manage […]

The 5-Step Bedtime Routine of People Who Never Gain Weight

By BethAnn Mayer, Mar 2, 2024 What you eat for dinner is important, but so is when you eat it. “Food timing is essential,” explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “The narrower the window of eating during the day, the better. It’s […]

4 Benefits of 4-7-8 Breathing, According to Doctors

By Erica Sweeney, Feb 29, 2024 The breathing exercise is based on a yoga principle called pranayama breathing, or slow exhale, explains Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified physician in sleep medicine and psychiatry and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. It’s become more popular recently, but integrative medicine expert Andrew Weil, M.D. has been teaching […]

Sleep deprivation dangers: How pulling an all-nighter affects your physical and mental health

By Melissa Rudy, Feb 10, 2024 Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and is founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, also warned of adverse effects. “There is evidence that even a single night of insufficient — or worse yet, absent — sleep leads to a […]

Expert shares suggestions after Elmo’s social media post sparks mental health conversations

By Sade Browne, Feb 1, 2024 CBS13 spoke with Dr. Alex Dimtriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, about why the pulse of the country all seems to be dealing with doom and gloom. “In my view of things, I think the world caught a fever ever since COVID came and went and we are still […]

Kids who consume energy drinks are more prone to mental health disorders, study finds

By Melissa Rudy, Jan 31, 2024 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep doctor who is also the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, was not involved in the study but offered his expert input. “The concern with any exogenous substance in children under the age of 21 is that the human […]

Is Online Therapy Effective? 5 Pros and 5 Cons

By Breanna Mona, Jan 30, 2024 The more important a conversation is, the more dimensions of communication (body language, etc.) may be required to make it effective, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a consultation psychiatrist at Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. Click HERE for the full article.

Eating more kiwi fruit could boost your mental health in just a few days

By Jessica Freeborn, Jan 30, 2024 Overall, the results still point to the benefits of kiwi and vitamin C for mental health. “The strength of the findings for people with low vitamin C levels is impressive, and it was impressive to see kiwi separate from vitamin C tablets, which also demonstrates a non-response to placebo vitamin […]

Mental health may be worse in teens from large families, study suggests: ‘Fewer resources’

By Melissa Rudy, Jan 25, 2025 Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, also was not part of the OSU research, but he shared his thoughts on the concept of “research dilution.” “In psychology, ‘resource dilution’ suggests that the availability of parental resources, such as time, attention […]

Depression could be ‘zapped’ away with brain stimulation, new study suggests: ‘Better quality of life’

By Melissa Rudy, Jan 25, 2024 Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, was not involved in the Nottingham study but reviewed the findings. “There is no doubt that magnetic brain stimulation can be an effective treatment for depression, and this study, using targeted magnetic pulses, […]

This 30-Second Habit Could Be a Gamechanger for Your Energy Levels

By BethAnn Mayer, Jan 18, 2024 “We all forget to breathe as we get busy,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Spending even 30 seconds doing some deep breathing and even mindful clearing of the mind can help.” Click […]

Sleep Problems in Your 30s and 40s Could Be a Major Predictor for Cognitive Decline

By Alexandra Frost, Jan 12, 2024 Experts say adults over 18 should sleep anywhere from seven to nine hours a night‌. While you sleep, your body is fixing you up for the next day. “Sleep helps mood, anxiety, cognition, and a myriad of other health issues,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, psychiatrist, sleep medicine physician, and founder of […]

Exercise combined with mindfulness best for mental health, researchers say

By Jessica Freeborn, Jan 9, 2024 Non-study author Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, noted to MNT: “Both exercise and mindfulness separately have been shown to improve mental well-being, so it is no surprise that the combination of the two is effective. I often tell […]

New Year can bring better sleep at night if you follow these 9 smart steps

By Melissa Rudy, Jan 1, 2024 A method used by the U.S. military in World War II could help people fall asleep in less than five minutes, some claim. The “military sleep technique” involves relaxing every muscle in the body, starting with the face and working your way down, while taking slow, deep breaths. “Muscle […]

The Young are Not So Restless When It Comes to Sleep

By Carol Ann Rinzler, Dec 30, 2023 Fast forward ten years, and California psychiatrist and sleep medicine expert Alex Dimitriu tells Healthline.com that the stress of career concerns may keep you awake. His prescription? Forget counting sheep and zero in on “exercise, meditation, regular bed and wake times” plus “connecting with friends and family outside of […]

How to manage the side effects of Zoloft in women

By Racheal Ede, Dec 27, 2023 “There are some studies that show antidepressants like sertraline can result in increased bone loss in older women,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. “The benefits [of taking Zoloft] should be closely weighed against the risks and discussed with your […]

Is the key to weight loss a great mindfulness routine? Here’s what doctors and therapists say

By BethAnn Mayer Dec 21, 2023 “Stress can negatively impact sleep, and lack of sufficient sleep, in turn, can result in increased eating, especially of carb-rich foods, as the body looks for quick sources of energy,” said  Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry […]

How Multiple Sclerosis Affects Your Sleep

By Elizabeth Millard, Dec 20, 2023 Characterized by difficulty falling asleep or waking up and struggling to get back to sleep, insomnia can, in addition to wrecking the next day, exacerbate some MS symptoms, the National Multiple Sclerosis society reports. What’s the connection between MS and staring at the ceiling at 3:30am? A couple factors, according to Alex […]

Are Your Bipolar I Disorder Meds No Longer Working?

By Elizabeth Millard, Dec 5, 2023 Your Stress Levels Are Soaring. Another possibility for reduced medication effectiveness is that your meds are actually working, but they simply can’t counteract chronic stress, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in the Bay Area of California. According to research in Current Topics in Behavioral […]

9 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Bipolar I Disorder

By Elizabeth Millard,  Dec 3, 2023 A major aspect of managing bipolar I disorder is having conversations with your health provider about next steps, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in the Bay Area of California. “The intensity of bipolar can be profound and result in […]

Not Getting Enough Sleep? This Wellness Hack Could Make Up for It

By Danielle Sinay, Nov 14, 2023 “Sleep loves rhythm and regularity, and part of that regularity is having a predictable sequence of events that starts telling the brain to slow down and get ready for bed,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double-board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. “A […]

Taking the plunge: Immersing in cold water can help your mental state

By Claire Wolters, Nov 10, 2023 Alex Dimitriu, MD, dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and Founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, says that some of the benefits of cold plunges could be the body’s demonstration of resilience or grit. “Being able to push through the ‘mental barrier’ and aversion associated with entering a […]

Do you really need to use a top sheet? Experts explain.

By Zoe Malin, Oct. 31, 2023 Top sheets are also sometimes preferred by hot sleepers. Duvets, comforters and quilts are thicker and heavier than top sheets, and can trap heat more easily, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. People tend […]

Experts express concern over mental health advice posted on social media platforms

By David Rossiaky, Oct 23, 2023 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a specialist in psychiatry and sleep medicine as well as the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, agreed. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Dimitriu, who also was not involved in the book, told Medical News Today. What are the harms of online […]

Melatonin by Form: Pros and Cons of Pills, Gummies, and Liquids

By Jessica Migala, Oct 11, 2023 Most melatonin pills contain 1 to 10 mg of melatonin. One of the main pros of taking a capsule or tablet is that you can break them up in order to take smaller doses than one tablet would otherwise contain. Though you should always let your doctor guide you about […]

How — and Why — Our Dreams Change As We Age

By Alexandra Frost, Oct 11, 2023 “Dreams can sometimes change over time, but they can also be quite seemingly random at times. People may have periods of dreaming more or less, or about specific themes, but this can be related to travel, diet, daylight savings time changes, and daily stressors or life events,” says Alex Dimitriu, […]

This Is the #1 Early Depression Sign Most People Miss

By Emily Laurence, Oct 9, 2023 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, agrees. “Generally speaking, depression tends to creep in slowly, sometimes over weeks or months,” he says. “Usually it takes someone hitting a low point long enough to […]

How Early Is Too Early to Wake Up?

By Jessica Migala, Oct 5, 2023 “Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California, notes that having self-discipline is a characteristic that can make someone more successful in professional and other pursuits — “which may also make someone better at creating and adhering […]

Sleep easy: 6 ways to adjust your bedroom so you get a good night’s rest

By Christine Rousselle, Oct 2, 2023 “Your bedroom, more than any room in your house, should be clean, cozy and relaxing to look at,” Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, told Fox News Digital. “Ideally, your bedroom should be on par with some of the best hotel rooms you’ve stayed in,” he […]

Sleep Anxiety Is Very Real — Here’s How to Treat It

By Alyssa Jung, Sep 30, 2023 “Good sleep hygiene involves regular sleep and wake times, not doing strenuous exercise two to three hours before bedtime, no digital devices in bed and getting out of bed to do a relaxing activity in a dimly lit room if you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes,” says Alex […]

Does Your Sleep Position Affect Your Dreams?

By Moira Lawler, Sep 29, 2023 Keep in mind, though, that there isn’t much research on this topic and, like dreaming in general, there’s a lot that experts don’t know. Some sleep experts are dubious that sleep position has any effect. “Sleeping position should not affect dream content, and any research on this supports a […]

WWII-era military sleep method could help insomniacs nod off quickly, some claim: ‘Peace and calm’

By Christine Rousselle, Sep 28, 2023 Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, told Fox News Digital that there is some legitimacy to the claims in the TikTok video. “This method of falling asleep can certainly be helpful,” said Dimitriu, who is certified in both psychiatry and sleep medicine.  Click HERE for the full […]

Can a Sleep Divorce Help Save Your Relationship? Experts Explain the Pros and Cons

By Paige Jarvie Brettingen, Sep 22, 2023 At the core of it, a sleep divorce is merely “sleeping apart for the sake of getting good sleep,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells DailyOM. “In some instances, [a sleep divorce] might just mean getting a larger bed and sleeping further apart, […]

The Adderall Shortage Continues — Here’s Some Expert Advice

By Lisa Fields, Sep 20, 2023 “During COVID and to the present, the Adderall shortage was caused by a reduction in manufacturing and an increase in prescriptions,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist in Menlo Park, Calif. “As the supply improves, we should expect the shortages to improve, as well.” Click HERE for the full article.

A stressful job could double the risk of heart disease — especially for men

By David Rossiaky, Sep 19, 2023 “This is quite a huge effect size and it is impressive that the researchers followed 6,000 people over 18 years,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, an expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine as well as the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, told Medical News Today. “There is no doubt that […]

Getting Enough Sleep Can ‘Clean’ Your Brain, Decrease Your Alzheimer’s Risk

By Kaitlin Vogel, Sep 14, 2023 “The glymphatic system—active during the first half of the night, in slow wave sleep—is a major ‘power wash,’ for the brain, clearing it of all the toxins from a day of activity,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep […]

The Best Memory Foam Mattresses for the Most Supportive Night’s Sleep

By Jenn Sinrich, Aug 29, 2023 When choosing any mattress, your weight and preferred sleeping position are essential considerations. “Generally speaking, lighter people will do better with a softer mattress, while heavier people will do better with more firmness,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry […]

Learn the short- and long-term effects of Adderall on the body

By Sarah Bradley, Aug 29, 2023 Adderall is a brand-name drug; its generic is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. Both are a combination of amphetamine salts: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, according to Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. It’s FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, but it’s sometimes prescribed off-label as a weight loss drug. The drug […]

The 5 Best L-Theanine Supplements of 2023, According to Experts

By Aaron L. Gravely, MD, July 14, 2023 “L-theanine has been shown to improve sleep quality not by being a sedative, but by reducing anxiety (i.e. by a calming, non-drowsy effect), which in turn promotes better sleep,” explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and the founder of Menlo Park […]

How to Break the Cycle of Revenge Bedtime Procrastination and Get Yourself to Sleep

By Shelby Deering, July 13, 2023 “[With revenge bedtime procrastination] there’s also a sense of spite or resentment against the system that makes a person choose between leisure and sleep,” Dr. Dimitriu adds. He says that often, revenge bedtime procrastinators mindlessly watch T.V. or scroll their smartphones instead of getting to bed on time. “A key aspect […]

Dreams Interpreted: Parkinson’s, Vitamin Deficiency, and Your Overall Health

By Vance Voetberg, June 29 2023 According to the Academy of Sleep and Wellness, 60 to 75 percent of adults experience recurring dreams. Recurring dreams can often be attributed to “the mind working through current stress, processing a past event, or preparing for a future event,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist specializing in sleep health, told […]

Jaden Smith says psychedelics made him more empathetic. Here’s what the experts say.

By Hannah Yasharoff, June 26, 2023 Dr. Alex Dimitriu specializes in psychiatry and sleep medicine but does not use psychedelic treatments with his patients because the treatments are illegal in most U.S. states, he said. But he believes they have merit. “When people are stuck or suffering, well-guided change can be beneficial, and psychedelics are agents that encourage such transformative […]

What Causes a Sense of Impending Doom?

By Lynne Eldridge, MD, June 29, 2023 This sense of impending doom is often fueled by the fact that the mind is a “meaning-making machine” that seeks patterns and attributes meaning to what we are experiencing, explains Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. This can […]

The Big Connection Between Asthma and Sleep Apnea

By Elizabeth Millard, June 23, 2023 Asthma and sleep apnea are chronic conditions that can result in significant health concerns…so what happens when you have both of them? It’s a predicament that many people with asthma have to navigate, according to Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine […]

Teen anxiety remains on the rise. Increasing therapy support could help

By Claire Wolters , June 20, 2023 Alex Dimitriu, MD, psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and Founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, says that, “numerous factors have coincided to contribute to increased teen anxiety”—prior to the pandemic—including the introduction of smartphones and widespread use of social media around 2012. Click HERE for the full article.

Take some stress out of your trip with these comfy, supportive travel pillows — from $12

By Jack Byram, June 16, 2023 Travel pillows come in a variety of shapes, but they’re all designed to accommodate your upright position when traveling, according to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. Specifically, “the goal of any travel pillow is to stabilize the head. As in most cases, when the seat […]

How to Know If You’re the Toxic One in Your Relationship

By Brianne Hogan, June 16, 2023 “Toxic is quite a strong word, and reality may be more nuanced or gray in some cases,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. “However, it serves as a powerful reminder of what can go wrong and what to watch out for. ‘Manipulative,’ ‘selfish,’ […]

How to sleep better this summer

By Morgan Mandriota, June 16, 2023 Alex Dimitriu, MD, is double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Below, he shares expert tips on how to sleep better year-round, especially this summer. Q:          Everybody has different habits and preferences. What are the ideal, evidence-backed temperature […]

Orthosomnia: The Dark Side Of Sleep Trackers And Data Obsession

By Klaudia Balogh, June 14, 2023 Alex Dimitriu, MD, a dual board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, told Healthnews about a study where participants were told to wear a sleep tracking device, which randomly told them how they slept, irrespective of actual sleep quality. “The fascinating finding was that people who were told they slept poorly, […]

Craving quality sleep? Don’t underestimate a good pillow — 15 picks for all sleep styles

By Jessica Migala and Rebecca Treon, June 5, 2023 “Being comfortable, cool, not in pain and breathing well are essential to a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who’s double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and is the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Besides comfort, a pillow plays a significant role in keeping the spine […]

Green Noise 101: How Nature’s Sounds Soothe Your Mind

By Kamrin Baker, June 2, 2023 Green noise, according to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, is a particular subset of white noise, and sounds similar to the sound of running water, or wind, which can be quite soothing, and does occur naturally outdoors.  Click HERE for the full article.

The Quarter-Hour Rule Could Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep

By Sarah Stiefvater, May 24, 2023 Generally, a normal sleep latency [The amount of time required to fall asleep] is somewhere between five to 20 minutes. Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, also told us at that time that he usually tells his patients to spend 20 minutes trying to fall asleep. “Clock watching is bad, as is […]

Antidepressants are ineffective for treating chronic pain, review finds

By Annie Lennon, May 16, 2023 To understand why duloxetine and milnacipran — and not other antidepressants — may reduce chronic pain in the short term, Medical News Today spoke with Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, not involved in the study. He told us: “Both duloxetine […]

The #1 Sign You Might Be Heading for an Existential Crisis—Plus, What To Do About It, According to Experts

By Beth Ann Mayer, May 10, 2023 Existential crises can be challenging to grapple with, but help is available. “Self-awareness, self-care and therapy can all be helpful,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Remember you are a biological organism, and take care of your human […]

Sleep Apnea May Increase Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

By Beth Ann Mayer, May 10, 2023 “Lack of slow-wave sleep, in this case, due to sleep interruption from sleep apnea, results in effectively, a mild form of brain damage, or at least aging, by about two years for every 10% loss of slow-wave sleep,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified psychiatry and […]

Navigating Sex, Relationships, and Intimacy When Living with Schizophrenia

By Gabrielle Kassel, May 5, 2023 People living with schizophrenia are not more likely to experience any “unusual” sexual behaviors, such as hypersexuality, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. Though, as with anyone, if you experience new onset hypersexuality, it could be worth talking with a healthcare professional. It may […]

11 top-rated travel pillows for long trips in 2023

By Mili Godio, Updated May 4, 2023 “Not everyone is an equally deep sleeper, and people with any sleep issues at baseline will often have a harder time sleeping in a louder and less comfortable environment — such as an airplane,” says board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu. He noted that posture plays […]

Can You Get Hooked on Melatonin?

By Hedy Phillips Apr 28, 2023 However, melatonin can become so much a part of someone’s daily routine that they may feel like they can’t sleep without it. “Many people who take melatonin for insomnia may also have some degree of anxiety, especially around sleep — and this is where routines become locked in, and people can become […]

Study Finds Sleeping Pill Can Reduce Proteins Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease

By Chantelle Pattemore, Apr 24, 2023 “There is a close relationship between sleep and cognitive performance,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. For instance, he told Healthline, “sleep deficit is associated with increased risks of cognitive decline, as well as more immediate next-day decline […]

What Does It Mean When You Dream About Someone?

By Dominique Michelle Astorino  Apr 19, 2023 So are these dreams just random? Probably not. “Because there is so much emotional and psychological processing during sleep, it would be foolhardy to overlook the content of our dreams or label it as purely random,” says board-certified sleep physician and psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, M.D. “Like the famous ink-blot tests, the interpretation […]

Why you keep having the same dream

By Kristen Rogers, Apr 9, 2023 Regardless, anything that comes up repeatedly is worth investigating, said sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Silicon Psych, a psychiatry and sleep medicine practice in Menlo Park, California. “People have this kind of touch-and-go approach with things that are uncomfortable or fear-inducing, and I think dreams are, […]

Can’t Fall Asleep? These Are the 22 Best Sleep Products, According to Glamour Editors

By Danielle Sinay, Apr 7, 2023 “Sleep loves rhythm and regularity, and part of that regularity is having a predictable sequence of events that starts telling the brain to slow down and get ready for bed,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double-board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “A regular […]

The Adderall Shortage: Why It’s Still Happening and What to Do if You Can’t Get Your Meds

By Fran Kritz, Apr 7, 2023 If your usual medication is unavailable, ask your prescriber about the availability of smaller doses, or if larger doses can be divided into smaller ones, such as splitting a 10-milligram tablet into to 5-milligram ones, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist in private practice in Menlo Park, California, who prescribes stimulants […]

The Adderall Shortage: How to Find Alternatives and Help

By Lisa Fields, Apr 5, 2023 “I’ve had a number of patients with this same issue, and indeed we have asked them to call local pharmacies and see if they had any Adderall in stock,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist in Menlo Park, California. Sometimes, a pharmacy may not have your dosage, but it may have […]

Dating With Schizophrenia

By Camille Noe Pagán,  Apr 03, 2023 It can take a while to find a treatment plan that works. You may have to wait weeks or even months before it fully takes effect. Ask the doctor who treats your schizophrenia if they feel your plan is working and you’re ready. Besides medication, you’ll want to discuss lifestyle […]

Best Sleep Aids, Explained

By Patty Onderko, Apr 3, 2023 Once underlying health conditions are either ruled out or managed, your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) as your first sleep “aid.” “CBT-i is the gold standard treatment for insomnia,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in […]

What Are the “Sunday Scaries” and What Causes Them?

By Sara Novak, Mar 30, 2023 According to Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist with Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California, there’s a level of dread that goes along with starting the work week on Monday.  Accompanying that dread may be anxiety and delaying going to bed on Sunday. “It’s a sort of fear and loathing […]

Inspire Sleep Apnea Treatment Review

By Nina Chamlou, Mar 30, 2023 “The primary causes of sleep apnea are typically related to physical [conditions], such as obesity or [a] blockage of the airway,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. “Essentially it’s a problem with the air […]

Why we can’t sleep – and what it means for work

By Tony Case, Mar 27, 2023 “Between Covid, wars and now the economy, the general temperature of our society has increased,” said Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in California and a Sleep Foundation medical review board member. “Things have gotten more stressful and unsettled, and people tend to think more when they […]

Diplo says he ran a marathon while on LSD. Experts say he’s tripping.

By Hannah Yasharoff, Mar 25, 2023 There are also certain people who are at-risk for a negative experience, even with the proper setting and dosage. Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who specializes in psychiatry and sleep medicine, previously told USA TODAY that anyone with any personal or family history of schizophrenia should steer clear of these substances. Click HERE for the full story.

Managing Your Emotional Health With Vitiligo

By Frances Gatta, Mar 6, 2023 Learning to appreciate your appearance can help you live unapologetically with vitiligo. Start with being comfortable with yourself, advises Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in California. “This can be built on the core belief that appearances are only skin deep, and your personality, kindness, intelligence, or other […]

A Good Night’s Sleep Can Help You Maintain Diet, Exercise Goals

By David Rossiaky, Mar 3, 2023 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, noted that an individual’s discipline and impulse control are a factor, too. “It could well be that the people that have the discipline to get good sleep also have the […]

The Best Sleep Apps, According to Sleep Experts

By Danielle Sinay, Feb 24, 2023 “A variety of sleep apps exist, which can range from listening to a bedtime story, to guided meditation or breathing, white or brown noise, binaural beats, or soothing or calming music,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double-board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Many […]

Idiopathic insomnia: What to know

By Mary West, Feb 20, 2023 Medical News Today reached out to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who founded Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and is board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, for his definition. “Essentially, this is insomnia that is not due to any particular cause, such as anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, or jet lag,” explains Dr. Dimitriu. “It is also not […]

People need more sleep in the winter, science says

By Nicole Lyn Pesce, Feb 20, 2023 “Heavy snow, like heavy rain, may trigger some tendency to sleep in and stay in,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, Calif., told the NSF. “[But] this has not been fully studied.” Click HERE for the full article.

Recurring Dreams: Signs Of Trouble Or Symptoms Of Poor Sleep?

By Brie Schmidt, Feb 19, 2023 If you’re one of the lucky few that has feel-good recurring dreams, there’s likely no need to put an end to your happy nighttime fantasies. But if your dreams are disrupting your sleep and leaving you feeling uneasy, it’s time to take action. “Some recurring dreams are worthy of more […]

Don’t Identify as an Introvert or an Extrovert? You Might Be an Ambivert—Here’s What That Means

By Kaitlin Vogel, Feb 15, 2023 “There are no true ambiverts, but more likely people who in certain circumstances or settings will appear more extroverted or introverted,” Dr. Dimitriu explains. “In my experience, even an extrovert may be tired and appear introverted after a long day of work, or a poor night of sleep. An introvert […]

The 11 Best Side Sleeper Pillows of 2023

By Sarah Bradley, Feb 15, 2023 “Proper alignment between the body, neck, and spine can minimize the risk of neck pain,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “The best way to tell if your pillow and mattress are well coordinated is to have your bed partner observe the alignment of your […]

How Bad Is It Really to Sleep With Your Phone Next to Your Bed?

By Beth Ann Mayer, Feb 7, 2023 “Sleeping next to your phone is like sleeping next to a slot machine,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. The odds are not in your favor. “At best, [the phone is] captivating and interesting—unlike a book, when you […]

The Signs, Symptoms and Treatments of Borderline Personality Disorder

By Madison Storm, Feb 6, 2023 BPD is a mental disorder that impacts one’s moods and behavior. BPD can be difficult to diagnose because of its overlap with other disorders. There are several disorders that often occur with BPD, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified psychiatry and sleep medicine expert and founder […]

Dr. Alex Dimitriu: Medical reviewer for Everyday Health

Dyskinesia Symptoms By Becky Upham, Medically Reviewed by Alex Dimitriu, MD, Feb 3, 2023 Click HERE for the full article.

Crying in Your Sleep? Here’s What It Could Mean

By Layla Khoury-Hanold, Feb 2, 2023 One of the main causes of crying in your sleep is past trauma. The reason that unresolved trauma or grief manifests in our sleep is due to our brains performing daily processing functions. “Part of this is cleaning up toxins and storing memories, but another major part is processing what […]

Can being active an extra 7–9 minutes per day boost your brain?

By Annie Lennon, Jan 29, 2023 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, agreed that adopting greater levels of physical activity is a main takeaway. “Movement is key! And also active mental engagement—reading over passive television—or videos online. The human body and brain […]

Common Antidepressants Can Cause Emotional Blunting: What to Know

By Eileen Bailey, Jan 22, 2023 “I often tell patients that ‘antidepressants dull the passions, bad and good,’ says Dr. Alex Dimitriu a physician in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD. “The highs and lows can be attenuated, though fortunately, when someone is low, feeling less so […]

Top light therapy lamps that act as artificial sunshine during dreary days

By Zoe Malin, Jan 19, 2023 As the sun rises later and sets earlier during the winter months, odds are you feel some combination of sleepy, less motivated and plain old glum during the day. And to some degree, that’s totally normal, said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who specializes in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and is the […]

What Types of Music Help You Fall Asleep The Easiest

By David Rossiaky, Jan 18, 2023 “The human brain is a pattern recognizer and really enjoys getting it right,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD. According to Dimitriu, songs that are highly danceable or energetic could in fact […]

5 tips to try lucid dreaming and take charge of your dreams and nightmares

January 18, 2023 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “5 tips to try lucid dreaming and take charge of your dreams and nightmares.”

Sleep experts say you can ‘catch up’ on sleep but sleeping in on the weekends isn’t the way to do it

January 14, 2023 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Sleep experts say you can ‘catch up’ on sleep but sleeping in on the weekends isn’t the way to do it.”

The Last Word: Can a SAD Lamp Really Lift Your Mood in the Winter?

By Rena Goldman, Jan 10, 2023 But it’s not just a marketing ploy. SAD lamps are designed to recreate the natural light from the sun, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, an Everyday Health medical reviewer and a dual board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist based in Menlo Park, California. “That light is especially important in the morning.”   Click HERE for the full […]

13 Top Travel Pillows for 2023

By Stacey Zable and Timothy J. Forster, Jan 5, 2023 Head support: What’s most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding – according to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified […]

6 mental health conditions that exercise improves

By Heidi Borst, Jan 4, 2023 Exercise is an essential part of our well-being. It boosts metabolism, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and produces endorphins, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of BrainfoodMD. “For all of my patients, I recommend SEMM: sleep, exercise, meditation, and the Mediterranean diet,” Dr. Dimitriu […]

Does Melatonin Help with Anxiety? What Doctors Say

By Brian Morris, Jan 04, 2023 “Some studies have been carried out showing that melatonin can reduce stress around surgery,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified physician (Psychology and Sleep Medicine) who founded Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine as well as BrainfoodMD. “In a 2015 review paper, the authors noted benefit to pre- and post-surgical anxiety in people pre-treated […]

Sleep Remedies: Valerian Root

By Tracey L. Kelley, Dec 21, 2022 The medical history of the plant is quite extensive. “Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “It’s believed to have originated in Europe and was first used by the ancient […]

People Who Sleep Well Every Night Avoid This One Food, According to Sleep Experts

By Kaitlin Vogel, Dec 20, 2022 After a large meal, our bodies have to work to process the food, and our heart rate and metabolism remain elevated. This is the opposite of the restful effect desired when sleeping, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo […]

Exposure to Natural Light During the Day May Help You Sleep Better

By Kaitlin Vogel, Dec 14, 2022 “Normally, light is a signal for wakefulness — and light in the evening hours can suppress melatonin and impair sleep,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, told Healthline. Click HERE for the full article.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

By Frances Gatta, Dec 13, 2022 Generally, “the efficacy of hypnotherapy depends on the participant, with some people being more prone or open to suggestion than others,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. Around 80% of people, Dr. Dimitriu […]

The 8 Best Sleep Masks of 2022 to Block Out Light While Home or Away

By Courtney Leiva, Dec 9, 2022 Promising adequate light blocking with a comfortable concave shape, this is the eye mask to splurge on if you are looking for your best night’s sleep, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, a dual board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist. “This is a great sleep mask style that allows room for the […]

Would You Feel Tired After Thinking Hard?

By Phil Lowe, Dec 8, 2022 The founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, says people need to stock how they feel. You ought to determine what causes the fatigue. Is it anxiety, lack of sleep, or being too busy at work? Experts claim that glutamate concentrations will often reduce when you […]

3 Signs Your Health Anxiety Is Somatic Symptom Disorder

By Erica Sweeney, Dec 8, 2022 “It’s a preoccupation with some aspect of one’s physical health, a symptom or pain,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. Click HERE for the full article.

Mouth Taping Is the Latest Viral TikTok Trend—but Is It Safe?

By Emily Laurence, Nov 30, 2022 While it’s true that breathing through your nose at night is healthier than breathing through your mouth, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, says there is a major problem with mouth taping. “The issue […]

Adderall and Emotional Detachment: Why It Happens and How to Cope

By Sarah Sheppard, Nov 22, 2022 “Medications that treat ADHD help with attention and focus, and reduce distractibility, [but can] suppress the qualities that make people with ADHD chatty, spunky, and easy to connect with,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD.  Click HERE for the […]

What Is Pressured Speech in Bipolar Disorder?

By Kaitlin Vogel, Nov 20, 2022 “Often, people with pressured speech are minimally aware of any of their own urgent feelings underlying it, or they feel a sense of urgency from outside themselves without identifying with that feeling as their own,” says Dr. Thomas Adams, a board certified psychiatrist. “They are also often not aware (or have […]

36% Of You Are About to Drink A Lot At Thanksgiving, New Survey Says

By Emily Weaver, Nov 17, 2022 “People will stay up late to celebrate, clean up, or just have some much-needed alone time [after] a long day of festivities and socializing,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, Founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, and SleepFoundation.org. contributor said. “The trouble is that a later bedtime, alcohol, and late meals […]

The 5 best alarm clocks for heavy and light sleepers

November 16,2022 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “The 5 best alarm clocks for heavy and light sleepers.”

6 best exercises for ADHD

By Sarah Bradley,  Nov 14, 2022 Here’s some good news: any kind of exercise is good exercise if you have ADHD. There’s some evidence that more complex activities (like swimming, biking, martial arts, or even rock climbing) may be better for people with ADHD, but “the best exercise is the one you can do regularly, consistently, and […]

Precision Medicine – Improving Lives

By George Citroner, Nov 14, 2022 Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, told Healthnews that Precision medicine is the use of specific biological or genetic information to provide a “customized solution” to a patient. “It involves the use of genetic testing, biomarkers, and […]

The 6 Best Cooling Weighted Blankets of 2022, Based on Lab Testing

By Erica Reagle, Nov 7, 2022 “Anyone using a weighted blanket should make sure it is not too hot and allows them to sleep slightly on the cool side at night,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, owner of SiliconPsych and BrainFoodMD. “Cooling blankets achieve this–and can help with deepening of sleep.” The best cooling weighted blankets help […]

80 Percent of Adults Have Trouble Falling Asleep on This Day of the Week, New Study Says

By Elizabeth Laura Nelson, Nov 6, 2022 You’ve probably heard of “the Sunday scaries,” but in case you’re unfamiliar, Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry&Sleep Medicine and a SleepFoundation.org medical-review board member, explains: “Sunday scaries are essentially a form of performance anxiety, much like before a test or a presentation.” For those of us who […]

7 weighted stuffed animals for kids and adults: Target, Warmies, Huggaroo and more

By Zoe Malin, Nov 4, 2022 Weighted stuffed animals are smaller than weighted blankets, so they cover less of the body and you can hold them on your lap or sleep with them (usually with your arms wrapped around them), experts told us. While anyone can use a weighted stuffed animal, they’re geared toward children: Weighted […]

Why It’s Essential To Treat Chronic Pain In Your 40s Right Away

By Erin Marie, Nov 3, 2022 “Based on this paper, I believe physicians can take a more multi-disciplinary approach to treat chronic pain more thoroughly,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. Click HERE for the full article.

How Chronic Pain in Your 40s Can Lead to Illness, Disease in 50s and 60s

By Eileen Bailey, Nov 2, 2022 “Chronic pain could result in altered self-care, sleep, exercise, diet, and likely socialization – all important factors to emotional well-being and physical health,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, told Healthline. “Chronic pain, mental health, and self-care likely come together to result in […]

Can You Get Hooked On Melatonin? Experts Share the Truth About This Popular Sleep Supplement

By Emily Laurence, OCT 28, 2022 Since melatonin occurs naturally in the body, you may be wondering when it can be helpful to take it in supplement form. Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, a sleep doctor and psychiatrist, says that some people find it beneficial to take melatonin when they’re traveling to help with jet lag. Some people […]

The Case for Spending More Time Doing Nothing

By Emma Penrod, Oct 28, 2022 We need processing time during the day to synthesize everything that’s happening to us, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician in Menlo Park, California, who is also an Everyday Health medical reviewer. “With the advent of the smartphone our downtime has been taken away.” We’ve become so increasingly busy that we don’t […]

Nightmares: Researchers Say ‘Pleasant Sounds’ and Other Therapies Can Reduce Them

By David Rossiaky, Oct 27, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD, told Healthline that TMR works by associating a stimulus — such as a specific sound — with a specific thought while you’re awake. “Then when the same sound is played during sleep, the brain re-activates […]

What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder)?

By Lizzie Duszynski-Goodman, Oct 24, 2022 DID is characterized by the expression of two or more identities, each with their own memories and behaviors. Due to these shifting identities, individuals may experience gaps in their memory and inconsistencies in behavior, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a psychiatrist and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine […]

How Much Melatonin Do We Really Take?

By Brianna Graham, Oct 20, 2022 “Before relying on any substance for sleep, make sure your anxiety is well-managed, your bedtimes are regular, and that you are getting daylight and exercise during the day.” —Dr. Alex Dimitriu, Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine Click HERE for the full article.

Talk Therapy May Improve Depression, Anxiety in People with Dementia

By Chantelle Pattemore, Oct 17, 2022 “Talk therapy, I believe, could be useful for just about anyone,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. “Any attention and investigation into the workings of our feelings can reduce depressive or anxious feelings. Awareness alone […]

How Menopause and Sleep Quality Can Impact Migraine Symptoms

By Eileen Bailey, Oct 11, 2022 “But, individuals with sleep apnea can experience morning headaches caused by nighttime hypoxia (low oxygen levels) due to sleep apnea,” explained Dr. Alex Dimitriu, an expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD. “These morning headaches should be distinguished from migraine headaches,” […]

Sleep Apnea: How a Medication Used to Treat Depression May Help

By David Rossiaky, Oct 11, 2022 While it’s been used for decades to treat depression in other countries under various brand names, reboxetine isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States. “Reboxetine is full of side effects,” said Dimitriu. “A medicine like reboxetine certainly helps breathing, but then has other unwanted […]

8 expert-approved tips my partner and I used to navigate a rough patch and transform our relationship

October 10, 2022 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “8 expert-approved tips my partner and I used to navigate a rough patch and transform our relationship.”

SSRI weight gain statistics 2022

By Rebecca Rovenstine, Oct. 7, 2022 “It’s important to note that fatigue, anxiety, and depression can also lead to overeating, and even binge-eating, in some instances – often worse at night. Following a healthy diet is often helpful, as well as limiting late-night eating,” recommended Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo […]

Folic Acid May Help Decrease Risk of Suicide, Study Finds

By George Citroner, Oct 4, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, said that people who have thoughts of suicide are typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy.“Lithium, ketamine, and anti-depressants have been shown to reduce suicidal behavior,” he continued. “I […]

Think Someone You Know is a Sociopath? 10 Signs to Look For

By Melissa Matthews & Erica Sweeney, Sept 30, 2022 The individuals are selfish and self-serving and use subtle or frank manipulation to get their way, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double-board certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. “They’re antisocial because they don’t care about society or others, they care […]

Talking to Your Kids About Your Cancer Diagnosis

By Helen Massy, Sept 30, 2022 “Be sure you have thought things through, balanced pros and cons, and found a place of some peace before sharing a medical diagnosis with others, especially children,” said Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who is board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California […]

The Surprising Link Between Bedtime and Dementia

By Chantelle Pattemore, Sept 23, 2022 “In most studies, women are known to have a two-fold greater risk of dementia than men. It is unusual that this study found the opposite,” shared Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. Click HERE for the full article.

The Viral TikTok Mouth Taping Trend Is a Dangerous Disaster

By Erica Sweeney, Sept 22, 2022 People breathe through their mouths as a backup when they’re unable to breathe properly through their noses. “People tend to mouth-breathe because their noses are congested” from a cold, sinus infection, allergies, deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, who’s double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep […]

How Your Mental Health Affects Your Sex Life

By Helen Massy, Sept 2022 “Sex for many of us is one of the most joyous activities in our lives,” said Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD. “Whenever I work with patients and see that there’s something off […]

Is There an Adderall Shortage? What to Know About Difficulties Getting the ADHD Medication

By Julia Ries, Sept 16, 2022 Abrupt changes to your medication regimen could make you feel more tired and hungry than usual or impact your energy and mood. Fortunately, these symptoms should only last for about a week, according to Dr. Dimitriu. If for some reason you run out before filing your prescription again and are […]

Can Blue Light Affect Puberty? Here’s What Early Research Has Found

By George Citroner, Sept 16, 2022 “It is possible that disrupted melatonin, or perhaps more generally, disrupted sleep and sleep stages from blue light, can have an impact on child development,” confirmed Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. He added that the limitation of […]

7 Signs Your Partner Is Being Unfairly Critical of You

By Adam Bulger, Sept 14, 2022 “An unfair criticism would be to see a mistake as a personality flaw,” California couples therapist Emily Heard says, adding that words like ‘never’ and ‘always’ can be red flags of conflating behavior with character. Click HERE for the full article.

Are You TikTok Tired? Here’s How to Stop Scrolling and Reclaim More Zs

By Beth Ann Mayer, Sept 13, 2022 This research doesn’t surprise Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. “The behavior of ‘search and find,’ especially with food, has been shown to keep sleep-deprived mice awake endlessly,” Dimitriu says. “This makes evolutionary sense — finding […]

Strategies for Coping with Overwhelming Parenting Stress

By Shannon M. Bauer, Sept 12, 2022 While the time at home brought certain benefits to some families, others have felt a lack of balance in work and in life since the beginning of the pandemic. Jeff Leininger, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California says for many, the pandemic also […]

10 Minutes? 20 Seconds? Doesn’t Matter. ‘Micro-breaks’ from Work Are Healthy

By David Rossiaky, Aug 31, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD, says the basic strategy is movement. “Get up, walk around, stretch, do push-ups,” he told Healthline. “Getting vertical and moving around is good to get blood flowing and has always been the healthiest use of even […]

Our Picks for the 6 Best Online Psychiatry Platforms of 2022

By Vanessa Ling, ND, CNS, Aug 31, 2022 Psychiatry and psychology can both be a part of your optimal treatment plan, and some online therapy platforms combine therapy with psychiatry. Board-certified psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, M.D., explains how psychiatry and psychology can work together, stating, “Some people may be “stuck” in therapy for years if a biological problem […]

Dr. Alex Dimitriu: Medical reviewer for Insider Magazine

Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider.

Health Problems Linked to Untreated Narcolepsy

By Erica Patino, Aug 25, 2022 To understand how narcolepsy can impact your health, it helps to first take a look at how the condition can affect the body. “Narcolepsy is [thought to be an]autoimmune disorder resulting from the loss of orexin neurons in the brain,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine […]

What Sleep Experts Say About Night Terrors (and Why We Have Them)

By Amanda Capritto, Aug 25, 2022 Night terrors and nightmares both involve sleep and fear, but they differ in a couple of ways. One key difference is the time at which they happen, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, psychiatrist and sleep physician at Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine.  Nightmares are scary dreams that usually occur during REM sleep, which […]

What is Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder?

By Laurie Saloman, Aug 25, 2022 “Symptoms can present ranging from paranoid thoughts to finding meaning and connections where there aren’t any to the more classic auditory hallucinations,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine expert and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. “While these varied symptoms […]

Be It Happy or Sad Songs, Music Before Bed Could Mean Better Sleep

By Lo Styx, Aug 23, 2022 Psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, who specializes in sleep medicine, notes that music is a fairly powerful emotional tool. This means it can also be an effective distraction for racing thoughts while trying to fall asleep. Studies have shown that playing music at bedtime can encourage the physical and mental tranquility necessary […]

Mouth Taping: What to Know About This Dangerous TikTok Trend

By Beth Ann Mayer, Aug 19, 2022 So, though mouth taping proponents may say it helps with breathing, Dimitriu warns it will likely have the opposite effect. “It’s…important to note that laying down tends to make the nose more congested,” Dimitriu says. “Sometimes, people will breathe well nasally when upright, then worse when laying flat. This is […]

Brain Fatigue, Poor Decision Making Capacity Linked To Overthinking, Researchers Say

By Shreyashi Chakraborty, Aug 15, 2022 Noting that glutamate levels tend to plunge during nap time, Dimitriu asked people to catch more sleep to fight cognitive fatigue. “Think it starts with sleep the night before and sleep in general. Sleep is fundamental and I think getting enough of it regularly is probably the best way to […]

Brain Fatigue, Poor Decision Making Capacity Linked To Overthinking, Researchers Say

By Shreyashi Chakraborty, Aug 12 2022 To address the problem, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a notable psychologist and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD, told Healthline that an individual needs to find the root cause at first. “See how you’re feeling on the weekend if you’re not working. It’s important to understand […]

The Long Journey to Overcoming Codependency

By Rachel Crowe, Aug 12, 2022 Tom Adams, M.D., part of the team at Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, attributes childhood emotional neglect as the prototype for future codependency. “As humans, we are born with instincts to attach strongly to our caregivers,” Adams explained. “When caregivers convey, intentionally or not, that their own needs […]

If Not Hypochondria, You May Be Living With Somatic Symptom Disorder

By Helen Massy, August 11, 2022 “Essentially, somatic [symptom] disorder suggests a high level of preoccupation with either a real or undiagnosed set of symptoms, which cause significant distress and some degree of life impairment,” said Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who is board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founded Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California […]

Do We Sleep Better in Airbnbs or Hotels?

By Susan Johnston Taylor, Aug 11, 2022 “People might sleep better in a vacation home because it has the best of both worlds,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California, and a SleepFoundation.org medical-review board member. “It’s a home with all the conveniences, while at the same time, […]

Why Thinking Hard Can Make You Feel Tired

By David Rossiaky, August 11, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, an expert in psychiatry and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD, told Healthline that first you need to take stock of what it is you’re actually feeling. “See how you’re feeling on the weekend if you’re not working. It’s important to […]

The best weighted blankets to shop in 2022, according to experts

By Mili Godio, Aug 10, 2022 The quicker our core body temperature drops, the quicker we can fall asleep, so overheating at night can disrupt your overall sleep quality, Khosla said. Since the pressure created by a weighted blanket can make it feel warmer than a typical blanket, Dimitriu recommended looking for one that features a […]

When Pain and Insomnia Collide: How to Manage ‘Painsomnia’

By Batya Swift Yasgur, MA, Aug 8, 2022 “Pain can certainly worsen insomnia and disrupt sleep; but lack of sleep, in turn, can increase how much pain people experience,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and a member of SleepFoundation.org’s medical review board. Click HERE for the full article.

Our Brain’s Natural Desire To Always Want More Could Cause Unhappiness

By Eileen Conroy, Aug 5, 2022 The paradox of choice and having a mindset that the grass is always greener on the other side can be helped by practicing acceptance and gratitude. Psychiatrist Dr. Alex Dimitriu told Healthline, “Settling for ‘good enough’ is essential in a situation with too many choices. In my work with […]

Depression, Diabetes, Hypertension: 1 in 2 Young People in the U.S. Have a Chronic Condition

By George Citroner, Aug 4, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park (California) Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, also finds women’s rate of depression often exceeds that of men. According to Dimitriu, the reasons for this difference between men and women may be attributed to biological factors that […]

Aaron Rodgers credits ayahuasca for his recent MVPs: What is the psychedelic drug?

By Natalie Neysa Alund, Aug 4, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who specializes in psychiatry and sleep medicine – but does not use psychedelic treatments with patients due to its illegality – previously told USA TODAY 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 […]

Our Minds May Be Programmed to Keep Wanting More, Leading to Unhappiness

By David Rossiaky, Aug 4, 2022 Experts believe that practicing mindfulness is one way to avoid getting caught up in achievement and overconsumption. There comes a point when “it’s time to change your aspirations and switch from wanting to enjoying,” said Dimitriu. “I think it is essential to have as much practice using the brake as using the gas […]

Empty Nest Syndrome and Sex Can Happily Coexist

By Rachel Crowe, Aug 4, 2022 “You may think you know your long-term partner inside and out, but make time to connect and have new things to talk about so that your relationship—and life—doesn’t get stale,” said Emily Heard, M.F. T., a mind-body wellness coach at Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. “Enjoy your second honeymoon!” […]

9 top-rated travel pillows for long trips

By Mili Godio, Aug 2, 2022 “Not everyone is an equally deep sleeper, and people with any sleep issues at baseline will often have a harder time sleeping in a louder and less comfortable environment — such as an airplane,” added board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep medicine specialist. He noted that posture plays a big […]

5 pillow colors to avoid – why these popular colors are harming your sleep schedule

By Megan Slack, July 31, 2022 Alex Dimitriu, who has a double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founded Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, explains that some online reports suggest that red and purple may be invigorating colors that are best avoided. Meanwhile, he notes gray may feel depressing. ‘[However], I believe personal preference is the […]

Fitness Trackers Can Motivate You to Walk Up to 40 Minutes More Each Day

By George Citroner, July 25, 2022 Individuals experiencing moderate and severe anxiety disorders may want to use WATs with caution, said Jeff Leininger, NP, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. He said that neuroscience points to a “dysregulated serotonin system” for people with active eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder […]

Should I or Shouldn’t I: Knowing When to Break Up

By Ally Sweeten, July 25, 2022 Emily Rose Heard, a mind-body wellness coach at Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California who is completing her master’s degree in integral counseling psychology, recommended asking yourself several questions to evaluate a relationship: Are we willing to compromise equally to meet each other’s needs? Are we helping each other grow […]

3 Common Power Dynamics in a Relationship and How to Resolve

By Susan Fishman, July 22, 2022 According to Emily Heard, MFT, a marriage and family therapist in Menlo Park, California, power imbalances in relationships often arise around specific themes, including:  finances sexual intimacy decision making duties and responsibility When trying to handle these or other power imbalances, Heard explains three common dynamics can play out: demand/withdrawal distancer/pursuer […]

Movement and your mind

July 2022 Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine (Menlo Park, California) weighs in on the connection between your mind and body. • We were born to move. Any exercise is a nod to one of your basic needs. That can naturally make you happier. • Sleep is the spa of […]

What Do Dreams About Someone Dying Mean?

By Ann Pietrangelo, July 13, 2022 “The goal ultimately may not be to avoid having such dreams, but rather approach them with curiosity to better understand them,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, told Healthline. Recurring dreams about death can be the result of ongoing stress and unresolved issues. Try to identify the […]

Drinking Alone as a Teen May Foreshadow Future Alcohol Problems

By George Citroner, July 12, 2022 Jeff Leininger, NP, with Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California, said that for some people, drinking during the pandemic was another cycle in existing abuse patterns. “The baked-in circuitry regulating dopamine, serotonin, gaba and glutamate transmission was already there, and the pandemic just added fuel to the […]

Depression Treatment: How Genetic Testing Can Help Find the Right Medication

By Eileen Bailey, July 12, 2022 There is a place for pharmacogenetic testing when treating people with depression, according to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, an expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD. Some situations that might call for genetic testing include treatment-resistant depression and more complex cases. “It […]

Brad Pitt has ‘Face Blindness.’ Here’s What That Means

By George Citroner, July 8, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and is the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, as well as BrainfoodMD, told Healthline that this condition results from abnormalities or damage to a part of the right side of the brain called the fusiform […]

Scientists Looking at ADHD Drugs as Potential Treatments for Alzheimer’s Symptoms

By Eileen Bailey, July 6, 2022 “As a sleep specialist and psychiatrist, I cannot underscore enough the power of restorative sleep, especially for people with [Alzheimer’s]. I have seen some substantial improvements in cognition by improving sleep quality and duration,” said Alex Dimitriu an expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry […]

Study Finds Being ‘Hangry’ is a Real Thing

By George Citroner,  July 5, 2022 “I’m not surprised at these findings,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, an expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California as well as BrainfoodMD. “In the end, we are biological creatures and are programmed to get our needs met,” he told Healthline. […]

Painsomnia Steals 51.5 Minutes of Our Sleep Every Night. How Do We Cope?

By Lisa Marie Basile, June 30, 2022 “Pain does not have to be extreme to keep us awake,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and a SleepFoundation.org medical-review board member. “Even milder forms of pain can result in varying degrees of insomnia, resulting in trouble falling or staying  asleep.” […]

Why Sleep Has Been Added to Heart Association’s Updated Cardiovascular Health Checklist

By David Rossiaky, June 28, 2022 “I tell all my patients, you need to be ‘vertical’ during the day to sleep better ‘horizontally’ at night; this means outdoor time and physical activity,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, an expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park (California) Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, told Healthline. Dimitriu […]

10 ‘Harmless’ Nighttime Habits That Are Secretly Ruining Your Sleep

By Stephanie Barnes June 24, 2022 Despite knowing we shouldn’t, it’s just so hard to resist reaching for a phone, iPad or laptop while in bed. However, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a physician double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, urges people to try. Dimitriu explained that screens are both bright with blue light and interactive, which is wake-promoting. […]

5 ways to stimulate your vagus nerve and regain control from stress faster

June 24, 2022 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “5 ways to stimulate your vagus nerve and regain control from stress faster.”

Xanax: Purpose, Dosage And Side Effects

By Nicole McDermott, June 23, 2022 Xanax (also called alprazolam) is one of the most well-known anti-anxiety medications, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. “It’s in the class of drugs called benzodiazepines, also known as muscle relaxants or […]

ADHD and Violence: Is There a Connection?

By Morgan Mandriota, June 15, 2022 “Adults with ADHD show an increase in violent or angry outbursts and even an increase in criminal behavior,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a board certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. Click HERE for the full article.

65% of Students Prefer In-Person Learning, New Survey Finds

By George Citroner on June 6, 2022 “Because distance learning isolates students from each other and reduces sensory input from social interactions, adolescents can have more trouble learning not just from their teachers, but from their peers,” Board-certified psychiatrist and trained psychotherapist Dr. Thomas Adams at Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told Healthline. Click HERE for the full article.

The Best Sleep Trackers, According To Experts

By Tessa Flores, Jun 6, 2022 “Sleep trackers work by monitoring some of our basic biology to try and determine two things,” explained Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified psychiatrist of sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. “One, if the person is asleep; two, what stage of sleep they are in.” This data is what […]

Improve Yourself, Improve Your Relationships

By Virginia Pelley, June 2, 2022 A self-improvement journey has a positive impact on relationships because it conveys a sense of self-awareness and an ability to grow and evolve, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. Ideally, these goals are mutual, and appreciated as furthering the needs of both people in the […]

The 6 Best Anti-Snoring Devices of 2022

By Sarah Bradley, May 24, 2022 “In choosing an OTC product, it helps to understand if nasal congestion is a problem—people with nasal congestion are often congested by day, and worse at night,” says sleep specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “They also mouth breathe, and sometimes wake up in the […]

Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Its Impacts on Relationships

By Helen Massy, May 23, 2022 Alex Dimitriu, M.D., board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD supplements, explained the main challenge in diagnosis is teasing apart IED from anxiety, stress, depression or sleep deprivation, as these conditions are far more common. “People act explosively with […]

Is There a Connection Between PTSD and Bipolar Disorder?

By Kaitlin Vogel on May 19, 2022 Trauma can certainly induce enough stress to set off a bipolar disorder episode, but only in someone predisposed to bipolar disorder, explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California and BrainfoodMD. Click HERE for the full article.

The 10 Best Ways to Prevent and Treat Jet Lag

By Madeleine H. Burry, May 13, 2022 “The ability to travel faster (with jet engines) has resulted in people being able to fly to a place faster than their biology can adjust to the new local time,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park […]

Beta Blockers Are the Buzziest New Anti-Anxiety Medicine—Here’s What to Know

By Lo Styx, May 13, 2022 To determine the best medication fit for his patients, psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, groups symptoms of anxiety into two categories. “I always ask my patients if they feel anxiety more in the mind—rumination, catastrophic thoughts, worry—or the body—racing heart, tight chest, shortness of breath, tremor,” Dimitriu says. “More globally it should be […]

People Hospitalized for COVID-19 Have Higher Risk for Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder

By Eileen Bailey, May 11, 2022 “It is important to note that the people in this study had severe enough infections to require hospitalization,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist with expertise in sleep medicine, told Healthline. “Hospitalization often means things got clinically bad enough to require a hospital stay – and this often means hypoxia, […]

Over Half of Young People With Depression Don’t Get Help for at Least a Year

By George Citroner on May 11, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, said people ages 18 to 25 face specific stressors that may make them more likely to be depressed. “As teenagers leave their homes and effectively start their lives,” Dimitriu said. […]

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Led to Parental Burnout

By George Citroner,  May 9, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD, noted that parents need to focus on themselves first. “Self-care is the first priority,” he said. “It is mandatory for the parent or caregiver to assure that their own basic biological […]

Why Do We Worry So Much?

By Kaitlin Vogel, May 5, 2022 Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainFoodMD, sees anxiety as a problem of “caring too much” and overthinking. From an evolutionary standpoint, having anxious people in your life may help you stay one step ahead of […]

What It’s Called When You Get Sick After Suddenly Stopping Your Antidepressants 

By Lauren Vinopal, May 4, 2022 People who take antidepressants will stop abruptly for many reasons, but psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu says it often has to do with the fact that antidepressants take weeks to work. “Because of this delayed feedback loop, it’s easy to not see the benefits or costs of starting or stopping treatments — it […]

What Therapists Personally Do When They Feel Powerless

By Dominique Astorino, May. 4, 2022 “Exercise is so helpful in blowing off steam,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Talley said intensive exercise is one of his “constant go-to” stress relievers. “When things even begin to feel over the top, I’ll put extra intensity into my […]

6 Signs of Unhealthy Sleep—and What to Do About It

By Jenn Sinrich Apr 29, 2022 If you frequently find that you need to catch up on sleep with a long nap or sleep in on the weekends or on vacation, it could be a sign that you’re lacking in sleep efficiency, warns Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park […]

6 reasons why you feel tired all the time and how to treat each one, according to sleep experts

April 29, 2022 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “6 reasons why you feel tired all the time and how to treat each one, according to sleep experts.”

A New Device May help Children With Down Syndrome Get a Better Night’s Sleep

By George Citroner, Apr 27, 2022 “Obstructive sleep apnea results when the throat/airway collapses due to obstruction during sleep,” explained Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. He described it as trying to suck on a straw that is blocked on […]

Khloe Kardashian Says She Takes Kris’ Beta Blockers For Her Anxiety—Here’s What The Meds Do, And If It’s Safe

By Sabrina Talbert, APR 27, 2022 According to Dr. Dimitriu, there are a few reasons why someone might be taking beta-blockers. While they can be helpful for people with high blood pressure, a naturally rapid heart rate, or PTSD, he adds that they can also be used to help others with performance anxiety. Click HERE for the full […]

Natural Mood And Brain Boosters

April 23, 2022 Fit for Joy Podcast. Valeria Teles interviewed Dr. Alex Dimitriu about natural mood and brain boosters. Dr. Dimitriu brings a deep respect for science and spirituality into his work. Professionally, Dr. Dimitriu is dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He is currently writing a book about the interplay of therapy and […]

The Real Reason Why You Keep Having the Same Dream Over and Over, According to Experts

By Zee Krstic, Apr 23, 2022 Sadly, science hasn’t allowed sleep specialists to nail down just one cause of a recurring dream or nightmare — as no two frequent dreams feel the same. Alex Dimitriu, M.D., psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist and founder of California-based Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, explains that the root cause of a recurrent dream hinges […]

Can You Get Hooked on Melatonin?

By Hedy Phillips, Apr 14, 2022 However, melatonin can become so much a part of someone’s daily routine that they may feel like they can’t sleep without it. “Many people who take melatonin for insomnia may also have some degree of anxiety, especially around sleep — and this is where routines become locked in, and people […]

The best weighted blankets to shop in 2022, according to experts

By Mili Godio, Apr 1, 2022 One of the most important factors to consider is the weight of the blanket. While 10 percent of your body weight is recommended, it’s ultimately based on personal preference and you should ensure that “movement and breathing are not impaired,” said Alex Dimitriu, board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at […]

How sleeping style informs pillow choice, according to experts

By Justin Krajeski, Apr 1, 2021 A pillow “can make a big difference in our ability to sleep well,” says sleep medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist. While you can try to supplement your sleeping situation with blackout curtains or sleep masks or melatonin diffusers, your posture at night is just as important — as is the right pillow to […]

How Does Central Sleep Apnea Affect Mental Health?

By Sarah Sheppard, Mar 31, 2022 “In central sleep apnea, there is no obstruction. The brain simply does not initiate the breath,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “The body essentially feels choked during such episodes, and it wakes up to reopen the airway. Oftentimes, people do not remember these small […]

A 30-Minute Workout May Help Relieve Some Symptoms of Depression

By George Citroner, Mar 30, 2022 Although in more extreme cases, Dimitriu said stronger measures might be needed to treat this condition. “Therapy has been shown to be as effective as medication for depression – however it can take longer, unlike two pills of Prozac,” he cautioned. Dimitriu said medications might be more beneficial and faster acting than […]

How Cheating Starts and How to Stop It

By Risa Kerslake, Mar 21, 2022 “Our expectations are the source of our success as well as our unhappiness in life,” explained Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a psychiatrist and sleep medicine expert who founded Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. This applies to relationships, as well. According to Dimitriu, relationships begin with certain expectations, and if […]

How Bad Is It Really to Keep Hitting the Snooze Button?

By Madeleine H. Burry, Mar 19, 2022 “The snooze button can be a nice way to procrastinate waking up, or wake up a little more gently,” says psychiatrist and sleep physician Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. Click HERE for the full article.

A *Tha-Thump* in the Night: The Heart-Pounding Science of Nightmares

By SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD on Mar 16, 2022 Dimitriu says, “The brain is essentially awake during REM sleep, and the body is paralyzed (on purpose).” During this time, he explains, the brain is processing and storing memories, while also rehearsing past events and playing through potential future scenarios. Because of this process, dreams can be “good […]

Dream Interpretation: What Do Dreams Mean?

By Nicole McDermott, Mar 10, 2022 “Why we dream is uncertain, but we do know that the brain does a lot of cleanup and memory packaging—and rehearsing—during the night,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. Dr. Dimitriu […]

It Feels Like Everyone Takes Melatonin for Better Sleep—but Should They? Here’s What Sleep Experts Say

By Ashley Zlatopolsky, Mar 2, 2022 “Taking supplemental melatonin can help people adjust to jet lag and improve sleep quality in some people with insomnia (having trouble falling and staying asleep),” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. “It has also been shown to relieve anxiety in people before and after surgery.”  Click HERE for […]

34 Little Signs That You’re Probably Being Lied To

By Lauren Schumacker, Feb 25, 2022 We all know lying is something that should generally be avoided. However, telling small white lies every now and again to prevent awkward situations or help someone out can be harmless. That being said, no one wants to be unknowingly lied to and manipulated. “People lie because quite often some version […]

Learn How Your Antidepressants Might Affect Your Birth Control

By Megan Deak, Feb 25, 2022 “There is no direct interaction between oral contraceptives and antidepressants,” said Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double-board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. “However, there are certainly brain regions where the two medications may interact, possibly with opposed effects.” Click HERE for the […]

How Mouth Taping Affects Sleep + What To Know Before Getting Started

By Colleen Travers, Feb 25, 2022 Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BRAINFOODmd, warns that in some instances, particularly if you have subpar airflow through your nasal passages, mouth taping may result in worsening your sleep quality, so he often doesn’t recommend it to […]

The 4 best alarm clocks we tested for heavy and light sleepers

February 23, 2022 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “The 4 best alarm clocks we tested for heavy and light sleepers.”

Risk of Mental Health Disorders Increases After COVID-19

by George Citroner on Feb 18, 2022 “My belief is that inflammation can certainly occur in the body as well as the brain,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and Brainfood MD. He explained that specific forms of mental illness, such as depression, have […]

5 breathing exercises that relax your brain and help you fall asleep in seconds

By Sarah Bull, The Sun, Feb 16, 2022 “Square breathing gives you something physical to focus on, and counting the seconds and synchronizing the breath can have a grounding effect and reduce the wandering of the mind,” psychiatrist and sleep physician Alex Dimitriu, M.D. said. “In square breathing, the prolonged exhalation phase also results in the […]

Multiple sleep problems may boost heart disease risk by more than 140%

By Marilynn Larkin, FEB 15, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine Sleep in California, commented in an email to Reuters Health, “I believe sleep should be considered a vital sign, along with heart rate, respirations, and blood pressure. I often see sleep as the tip of the iceberg – […]

What’s anxiety jewelry and does it work?

By Vanessa Wolosz Feb 15, 2022 “People are increasingly using widgets, spinners and other items to fiddle with to either improve focus and restlessness in ADHD and possibly also to relieve anxiety and stress,” explains Dr. Dimitriu. “I have seen an increased use of such products in the past several years.” Click HERE for the […]

Drug Testing for Weed is a Massive Barrier to Mental-Health Care

By Eddie Kim, Feb 8, 2022 “Marijuana is a particularly touchy subject because unlike alcohol, or even cocaine, it can linger in the body for weeks. My patients are often forthcoming about marijuana use, and I rarely will request drug testing. With a good therapeutic relationship and trust, many people are often willing to reduce […]

Try These 5 Simple Breathing Exercises for Sleep

By Dominique Michelle Astorino, Feb 08, 2022 So, deep breathing can trigger your parasympathetic nervous system and, in turn, help set up a conducive environment for sleep. But that’s not all it can do to help you score some shut-eye. “If your goal is to fall asleep, focusing on the breath is also better than focusing […]

Valerian Root for Anxiety: What Is It? Does It Work?

By Vanessa Caceres, Feb. 4, 2022 Valerian is a plant originally from Asia and Europe, although it’s now also grown in North America. Valerian root has been used throughout time for its calming properties, and has earned the nickname “nature’s Valium,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who’s double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder […]

Injectables for Schizophrenia Reduce Hospitalizations Better Than Oral Medications, Study Shows

By Ann Pietrangelo, Feb 2, 2022 “This was a great review study, comprised of 137 prior studies,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California, told Healthline. “The results consistently favored the benefit of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in reducing the rate of hospitalization or relapse,” added Dimitriu, who is double board […]

Is Icing Your Vagus Nerve the New Weighted Blanket? Doctors Weigh In On the Anxiety Hack Taking Over TikTok 

By Emily Laurence, FEB 2, 2022 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, a dual board-certified psychiatrist and sleep doctor, says there are many ways to activate the vagus nerve, which will then send a body-wide signal that it’s time to relax. One popular way, he says, is deep breathing. “Breathing deeply from your diaphragm so your stomach expands outward […]

Dr. Dimitriu presenting at the upcoming Migraine World Summit

Mission. To reduce the global burden of migraine. Summit begins Mar 16, 2022. Dr. Dimitriu to be interviewed about Learning How to Sleep Better with Migraine. Click HERE for more information.  

15 Expert Bedroom Remodel Tips For a More Comfortable Sleep

By Ryan Castillo, January 31, 2022 It’s increasingly hard these days to find LED bulbs that are the color of candles or sunset (>3000k is like a blue sky, and 2200k is hard to find), but in reality, it’s those lights that are more amber hues that help our bodies realize it’s the evening and time […]

Does A Full Moon Affect Sleep?

By Katie Robinson,  Jan 30, 2022 Due to the light, we might be naturally more inclined to stay up late—and therefore, go to bed later or have a rough night of sleep. According to Alex Dimitriu, MD, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, “our sleeping patterns (as well as those of animals and plants) […]

Piaget’s Stages Of Cognitive Development

By Heidi Borst,  Jan 28, 2022 What Are the Four Stages of Piaget’s Cognitive Development? Piaget studied how children develop mental models for the world around them as they grow, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. “He […]

The 4 best sunrise alarm clocks for waking up gently in 2022

January 27, 2022 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “The 4 best sunrise alarm clocks for waking up gently in 2022.”

Why You Might Want to Use CBD for Sleep — and How to Do Just That

By Dominique Michelle Astorino Jan 24, 2022 “Sleep quantity is as important as sleep quality,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., double board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. And while many substances (looking at you, wine) might help you feel sleepy, they can actually reduce your deep and REM sleep — two […]

The biggest interiors trend of 2022 could be stopping you from getting a good night’s sleep – here’s why

By Millie Hurst, Jan 23, 2022 In a similar vein, a 2021 study by cpap.com revealed self-confessed messy people got more sleep than tidy people, but that tidier people enjoyed a higher quality of sleep. Clean people were twice as likely to report being happy with their sleep. Dr Alex Dimitriu sleep expert and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & […]

What’s the best antidepressant for me?

By Sarah Bradley,  Jan. 20, 2022 While any SSRI or SNRI can cause discontinuation syndrome, the SNRI Effexor (venlafaxine) can be one of the trickiest to wean off, says psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Venlafaxine is an excellent medication, but missed doses can give people ‘brain zaps’ and […]

The 8 Best Sound Machines for Sleep of 2022

By Abby Stassen, Simone Scully, and Danielle Zoellner, Jan 20, 2022 “In choosing a sound machine, it’s nice to have options and controls. Lower volume, good sound quality, and a range of sounds that are pleasing—and boring—are helpful.” — Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine Click HERE for the full article.

Can Melatonin Help My Anxiety?

Lauren Vinopal, Jan 15, 2022 On the latter count, doctors such as Alex Dimitriu, who specializes in psychiatry and sleep medicine, tend to recommend melatonin supplements even before something like Benadryl because the antihistamine “can disrupt sleep architecture by decreasing REM sleep,” he explains. By contrast, melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that naturally increases about two hours […]

What Does It Mean When You Talk in Your Sleep?

By Haley Goldberg and Sara Lindberg, December 29, 2021 At one time, it was considered a disorder, but sleep talking is now seen as more of a sleep quirk, which sometimes can be associated with sleep disturbances, psychiatrist and sleep specialist Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells SELF. In fact, Dr. Dimitriu says talking […]

Tips for Handling the Most Toxic People in Your Life (Who You Can’t Just Cut Out)

by Elizabeth Yuko, DEC 20, 2021 And Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist, tells SheKnows that what makes a person toxic is when they intrude on the lives of those around them, noting that “while it may be OK to be a reclusive curmudgeon or an isolated, anxious person, toxicity emerges when these people’s moods try to spread to those […]

10 Most Damaging Things Parents Say To Children Of Divorce

By Jeremy Brown, 12/19/2021 Avoid white lies or evasive answers to questions. Offer your kids the truth in an honest and age-appropriate manner. “Kids need to know they live in a predictable universe that they can understand and predict to some degree,” says psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu. “A parent moving out of the home, […]

Can Trauma Cause Schizophrenia?

by Morgan Mandriota on December 14, 2021 “Schizophrenia, like most things in psychiatry, adheres to a stress-diathesis model,” explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. “What this means is that some people have a predisposition for psychosis, which can be triggered by a life stressor. “At minimum, schizophrenia is related to an […]

Can Anxiety Cause You to Have Bad Dreams? We Asked Experts

by Sydni Ellis, December 13, 2021 You’re not imagining it — the experts we spoke with overwhelmingly agreed that anxiety can contribute to bad dreams. “Anxious thoughts while someone is asleep can manifest themselves as bad dreams or stress dreams,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park […]

What Are the Types of Narcolepsy? Sleep Experts Explain the Differing Presentations of This Sleep Disorder

By Sarah Fielding December 07, 2021 The following day, a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) monitors people as they take naps. It records how long a person takes to fall asleep and when they enter REM sleep, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Doctors […]

Which Sleep Secrets Actually Work? A Doctor Weighs In

By Jess Sims, NOV 24, 2021 Our body uses a process called thermoregulation (the ability to internally regulate temperature for comfort and survival) to help us get the best sleep possible. “The more we can cool off in our sleep, the deeper and more restorative sleep we get,” says Dr. Dimitriu. Click HERE for the […]

What Causes Insomnia? 8 Reasons You Can’t Sleep at Night

By Lauren Krouse, Nov 19, 2021 “Anyone that consistently gets less than six hours of sleep per night or experiences significant next-day symptoms of fatigue, low mood, or sleepiness, should consider speaking with a doctor,” says Dr. Dimitriu.  Click HERE for the full article.

What It Means When You Dream About Being In Power

November 18, 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “What It Means When You Dream About Being In Power.”

How They Work: Dual orexin receptor antagonists for insomnia

Written by Heather Grey on November 17, 2021 “Anyone with insomnia should start with good sleep hygiene, regular bed and wake times, technology off 1 hour before sleep, and a cool dark bedroom,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist, and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California told MNT. “When insomnia persists despite efforts […]

How To Nap Like a Pro

By Carina Woudenberg, Nov 13, 2021 When it comes to the question of whether to nap even if you’re not feeling tired, Dimitriu — who specializes in both psychiatry and sleep medicine — says studies are mixed. “Napping definitely helps habitual nappers with respect to mood, alertness and cognitive processing,” he says. “However, other studies have shown […]

How long should I nap? Why 20 to 30 minutes is best, and longer naps can leave you more tired

November 11, 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “How long should I nap? Why 20 to 30 minutes is best, and longer naps can leave you more tired.”

Sleep throughout the ages: changes in your needs for sleep

By Editor, 9th November 2021 Alex Dimitriu, double board certified psychiatrist said: “School or starting work also results in later nights out, and [people often keep] an early wake schedule to get to work. “This particular combination can lead to insufficient sleep times.” Click HERE for the full article.

Is Narcolepsy Genetic? What Sleep Experts Say About Inheriting This Chronic Disorder

By Sarah Fielding, November 03, 2021 Unlike sleep apnea—a more common sleep disorder with an estimated 40% genetic component, according to the Sleep commentary— narcolepsy is not commonly passed between family members. In fact, narcolepsy type 1 has “a very mild genetic component,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry […]

Hit the Pillow an Hour Earlier and See Your Mental Health Improve

By Kelsey Maloney, October 28, 2021 “In my experience, we have seen great improvements in sleep quality by getting people to sleep earlier,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, dual boarded in psychiatry and sleep medicine, owner at SiliconPsych.com. “Specifically, melatonin (the hormone that sends a signal to your body to sleep) tends to peak in […]

5 Drinks to Help You Sleep—And 3 That Can Keep You Up at Night

By Jessica Migala, October 28, 2021 Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb, and it can be helpful for sleep, Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, tells Health. It’s considered an adaptogen, aka a plant that’s thought to help the body […]

Can a short behavioural boot camp really grind anxiety to dust?

By Elizabeth Svoboda, October 2021 For anxiety-related disorders, ultra-short-term therapy is often a better option than prolonged treatment that allows destructive behaviours to solidify. ‘A short blast of intensive CBT may be helpful to get the ball rolling,’ says Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist in California who cautions that more sessions might eventually be needed to tune up […]

When Someone Is Having a Panic Attack, It Can Be Hard to Know How to Help—Start With These 10 Phrases 

By Kaitlin Vogel  October 21, 2021 “There is situational anxiety and overall background anxiety,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Panic attacks are the highest and shortest form of anxiety, and can be really intense. Fortunately, as most panic attack sufferers know, […]

Common problem with ADHD is sleep disorders

By Dr. Sally Robinson, October 19, 2021 Recently, Dr. Alex Dimitriu and Danielle Pacheco from the Sleep Foundation wrote an article discussing the relationship with sleep problems and ADHD. People with ADHD are more likely to experience shorter sleep time, problems falling and staying asleep and a higher risk of developing a sleep disorder. Click HERE for […]

Your Sleep Needs Change as You Age: Here’s What You Need to Know

Written by Beth Ann Mayer on October 19, 2021 “Being…in school or starting work also results in later nights out, and [people often keep] an early wake schedule to get to work,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board certified psychiatrist, sleep medicine expert, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “This particular combination can lead to insufficient […]

The 7 Best Home Remedies for ADHD

Written by Morgan Mandriota on October 14, 2021 “Home remedies are useful because they can be implemented with relative ease, and they can also be applied whenever needed,” adds Alex Dimitriu, MD, who’s double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and is founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. Click HERE for the full […]

‘I’m a Sleep Physician, and These Are the 4 Products I Recommend for a More Restful REM’

Dominique Michelle Astorino・October 13, 2021 If you’ve had a hard time falling asleep (and staying asleep), you’re not alone. Some of the most popular articles here on Well+Good are about sleep—and specifically how to get the most restful sleep. Whether it’s due to stress, anxiety, insomnia, or a really good show we can’t stop watching, many of us […]

How to Stop Snoring, According to Sleep Experts

By Sarah Fielding, October 07, 2021 And while it may seem like just another part of life, it is possible to stop snoring. “Snoring is the result of air going through a partly closed or constricted airway.” Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells Health. […]

I Took All Social Media Apps Off My Phone 14 Months Ago, and I’m a Totally Different Person

By Kiersten Hickman, October 6, 2021 “Indeed social media can be like any other addiction,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “At base, there is a foraging or searching behavior, which is often rewarded with ‘a find,’ and the ensuing surge in dopamine. Many […]

3 Reasons You’re More Anxious In The Morning (And How To Fix It)

By Dominique Astorino, 10/05/2021 “In my experience [as a practitioner], anxiety tends to be higher in the morning,” said Alex Dimitriu, a sleep medicine physician and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. “The data is mixed … with some studies showing more anxiety later in the day.” Click HERE for the full article.

6 Ways To Wake Up Feeling More Rested

By Donna Sarkar Oct 5, 2021 According to Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine expert, we can break down a night’s rest into a specific cyclical pattern known as sleep architecture. This pattern consists of four to five sleep cycles that alternate between rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. Dimitriu explains that our body needs these different cycles […]

Will Smith, Megan Fox are praising psychedelics. What medical experts want you to know.

Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, Wed, September 29, 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 […]

8 Things to Try If Trauma Is Ruining Your Sleep

By Carly Lanning,  September 29, 2021 “Sleep is essential, especially good-quality sleep,” Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, tells SELF. “During sleep, we process and pack away memories, as well as emotions. If trauma or anxiety is disturbing sleep, it is essential to get help.” Click HERE for the full article.

Can Lion’s Mane Mushroom Improve Brain Function?

By Madison Storm, Sept. 20, 2021 Lion’s mane “has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with stress and work as an antidepressant,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. Click HERE for the full article.

What Can a Sleep Study Tell You About Your Mental Health?

By Sarah Sheppard, Published on September 20, 2021 “The brain recharges and does a fair amount of emotional and memory processing at night,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, who considers sleep to be a vital sign, along with blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. We all need sleep; it’s essential. But […]

The Dos & Don’ts For Your Best Night Sleep According to a Sleep Expert

By: Dominique Michelle Astorino, September 2021 Your healthy sleep starts when you wake up! “Get vertical — and exercise during the day,” says Dr. Dimitriu. “Being active, ideally outdoors, and getting exercise always helps people blow off steam and get better sleep at night,” he says. You heard the man; go get yourself outdoors for […]

7 Hidden Micro Stresses Ruining Your Sleep

By Carolyn Steber, Sep. 8, 2021 Of course, you’re way more likely to lie awake at night if you’re extra sensitive to stress and/or have anxiety. “People with anxiety are often too inclined towards being awake, and indeed with all those pulses of adrenaline throughout the day, sleep can become impaired,” Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified doctor […]

Dr. Dimitriu was a guest on an Everyday Health live discussion

Getting Your Sleep Back on Target August 2021 Click HERE to watch.  

8 Essential Items Sleep Experts Can’t Live Without

By Stephanie Barnes, 08/25/2021 According to Alex Dimitriu, the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tracking your sleep could be the key to improving the quality of rest you’re getting. He recommended Snorelab, an app he also uses. “Snorelab is an excellent app which records audio all night,” he said. “For anyone who wakes up frequently […]

6 firm mattresses for back support to shop in 2021

By Hanna Horvath, Shop TODAY, Aug. 25, 2021 You’ll be able to get an initial feel of how firm a mattress is by lying down on it. How much the mattress “gives” or “flexes” to your weight determines how firm it is, said Alex Dimitriu, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist. “Imagine a 10-pound bowling ball,” […]

The Origin Story of the Zoloft Sad Blob, A Clinically Depressed Icon

By Lauren Vinopal, August 24, 2021 That said, psychiatrists like Alex Dimitriu argue that it’s impossible to divorce the Sad Blob ad from its larger pharmaceutical agenda — no matter how relatable it might have been. “These same ads also push people toward a particular treatment, when there may well be a good number of alternative […]

What Do Dreams About Tornadoes Mean?

Written by Ann Pietrangelo on August 24, 2021 Dr. Alex Dimitriu is double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Dimitriu told Healthline that most unpleasant dreams improve with understanding rather than fear and avoidance. “The same is true of psychotherapy,” Dimitriu said. “The act of shedding light on one’s fears […]

Are You a Revenge Bedtime Procrastinator?

August 17, 2021 | BY: Kate Bayless People just don’t have enough time for themselves between workdays, says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and sleep expert at Sleep Foundation. Research agrees. A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that the more an individual had to resist certain desired behaviors or actions during the day, the more […]

What Happens If I Put My Insomnia To Use By Working Out In The Middle Of The Night

By Lauren Vinopal, 8/16/21 It would be unfair, though, to place all of the blame on the exercise. Like many ideas from the past, two sleep cycles isn’t one that’s aged well, Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor, tells me. “It takes our brain and body quite a while to wind down even once […]

Sleep Doctors Explain the Very Strange Ways That Alcohol Can Affect Your Dreams

Emily Laurence・August 13, 2021 Psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor Alex Dimitriu, MD, explains that there are three types of sleep: deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep. “When someone drinks alcohol, they spend less time in REM sleep, and that’s the sleep phase where we dream the most,” he says. If you have a few cocktails […]

These ‘Buttery Soft’ Bamboo Pajamas Keep Hot Sleepers Cool All Night

By Rebecca Deczynski, August 06, 2021 What makes them so amazing? Bamboo fabric naturally decreases heat retention, so if you’re someone who runs hot at night, it can help prevent you from overheating. And even if you don’t deal with dreaded night sweats, there’s still a benefit to wearing PJs that keep you nice and cool. “There […]

Did You Know It’s Possible to Have a Panic Attack In Your Sleep?

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 […]

Why you’re having weird dreams and how to manage them

August 02, 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Why you’re having weird dreams and how to manage them.”

Megan Fox, Christina Haack are praising psychedelics. What medical experts want you to know.

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 […]

Dr. Alex Dimitriu: Medical reviewer for SleepAdvisor

Sleep Apnea: Types, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options by Jill Zwarensteyn, July 23, 2021 Click HERE for the full article. Restless Leg Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risk Factors by Jill Zwarensteyn, July 23, 2021 Click HERE for the full article. Insomnia: A Complete Guide About the Causes, the Diagnosis and Prevention by Rachael Gilpin, July […]

8 best air mattresses of 2021

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 […]

The Best Cooling Weighted Blanket for Hot Sleepers (& People Who Just Want to Chill Out)

By Candace Davison | Jul. 19, 2021 You’ve heard people rave about how weighted blankets relieve anxiety and help you sleep more soundly—with less tossing and turning, thanks to roughly 10 percent of your weight holding you down at night. “Just like swaddling babies, there is belief that [it] reproduces the feeling we were used to in the womb,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu M.D., […]

Here’s How To Use Night Affirmations for Better Sleep

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 & […]

9 Common Dream Images and What They’re Trying to Tell You

Written by Beth Ann Mayer on July 14, 2021 “The dreams you tend to remember are the ones where you wake up during the dream,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a California-based psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist, and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Dimitriu adds that people wake up during dreams for two main reasons: something […]

Mental Stressors from the Pandemic Resulted in Sleep Loss, Study Finds

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 […]

The Most Likely Reasons Why You’re Always So Tired—and What You Can Do About It

By Elizabeth Yuko, July 12, 2021 When describing feelings of tiredness, we tend to use the terms “sleepiness” and “fatigue” interchangeably, but Alex Dimitriu, M.D., double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, stresses that these are actually two different things. “Definitions are important, and splitting the hair […]

The Glow Up Challenge

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.  

10 Natural Sleep Remedies That Actually Work—for Real

By Beth Krietsch, UPDATED JUL 07, 2021 Magnesium can help reduce muscle tension and anxiety, and can also improve sleep quality. Magnesium is available in many forms—it can be taken as a supplement, added to a drink, used as a spray, added to a hot bath, and more. Be aware that magnesium can cause diarrhea, but this […]

How to share a bed with a restless sleeper

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 […]

Can Pajamas Help You Get a Better Night’s Sleep?

By Evan Malahosky, JUN 29, 2021 “The sleep ritual: besides a cup of Sleepytime Tea and a good book, pajamas can totally be part of the winding down routine,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who specializes in sleep and psychiatry, says. “PJs can certainly serve as a reminder for upcoming bedtime, much like taking off your work clothes […]

Listening to Music Before Bed May Disrupt Sleep

By Sarah Fielding, June 22, 2021 “Earworms at night have been shown to diminish sleep quality and refresh sleep,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Music of all types also was found to benefit mood, even though some earworms diminished sleep quality. In […]

Psychotropics, psychedelics, stigma and sleep!

June 18, 2021 Speaking with Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a nationally recognized psychiatrist and sleep specialist about three important topics: 1) Stigma around medication for mental health: why is there stigma; medication or meditation – should you tough it out forever; what are the conditions and circumstances when medication can bring relief; the role of genetics […]

The 6 best alarm clocks we tested in 2021

June 17, 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “The 6 best alarm clocks we tested in 2021.”

Practicing Self-Care Helped People Sleep Better Early on in the Pandemic

By Julia Métraux, Fact checked by, Nick Blackmer, June 16, 2021 “As I tell my patients, sometimes we are not sure of the causality, but certainly implementing positive behaviors, including self-care, would always be of benefit to the patient,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells […]

EP 18: Sleep Tight!

June 14, 2021 Our strongest desire —over more sex and money— is to get more sleep! In this episode, Baz chats to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, he is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and he talks to us all things sleep; how to improve sleep, how to sleep more and how can sleep […]

How Can I Tell If My Antidepressants Are Working? 

By Beth Ann Mayer | June 11, 2021 The two mental health conditions most commonly treated with medication are mood disorders, depression and anxiety, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. Antidepressants, one of the five main categories of psychotropic drugs, are a first-line treatment for both depression and anxiety. “Antidepressants don’t make problems […]

6 Tips For Better Sleep

BY CAROL LEE, JUN 9, 2021 Help clients achieve a healthy sleep schedule by offering these top tips from Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine (CA). Click HERE for the full article.

The Importance Of A Healthy Circadian Rhythm

By Carol Lee, JUN 4, 2021 Not only has the pandemic and its accompanying lockdowns led to skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression—common culprits behind insomnia—but working and living mostly at home have caused people to keep irregular schedules, with more individuals working at night and sleeping during the day. In the evenings, people are also […]

Evidence Shows The Moon Impacts Our Sleep, But Scientists Aren’t Exactly Sure Why

Sleep Junkies·Blog·05/31/2021 “The moon, by providing brighter light in the evening may indeed entrain our circadian rhythms,” Dimitriu says. “Likely this takes time, being outdoors and without interference from artificial light sources. A single glance at a full moon on one night, may not be enough to alter sleep immediately.” Click HERE for the full article.

7 Signs of Suicide Nobody Talks About

Syazwana Amirah, May 28, 2021 This feeling of dread and overwhelming emotion when contemplating life’s meaning is not necessarily exclusive to the young, gifted and the non-religious. A study published online in 2018 revealed that patients with advanced cancers often experience existential dilemmas, suffering “high rates of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and spiritual despair.” (Dimitriu, […]

Can blind people see their dreams?

Leila Jones, May 21, 2021 Dr Alex Dimitriu, founder at Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine explains it further for us: “Sleep and especially dream sleep is truly a natural virtual reality experience. For people who are able to lucid dream – even more so – because they are able to actually control the content of their […]

11 best travel pillows of 2021, according to experts

By Mili Godio, May 20, 2021 “Not everyone is an equally deep sleeper, and people with any sleep issues at baseline will often have a harder time sleeping in a louder and less comfortable environment — such as an airplane,” added board-certified psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, a sleep medicine specialist. He noted that posture plays a […]

Don’t Identify as an Introvert or an Extrovert? You Might Be an Ambivert—Here’s What That Means 

By Kaitlin Vogel  @@KaitlinVogel, May 19, 2021 “Temperament is the foundation that everything is built upon; it often has strong genetic roots, and is stable over time,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Click HERE for the full article.

Want to Ditch the Alarm? Here Are 5 Tips For Waking Up Naturally

by Rebecca Strong, May 18, 2021 While training yourself to wake up without an alarm, the idea is to work with your own internal clock, not against it — because if you’re not getting adequate rest, you’ll probably need to continue depending on an alarm to wake you up. “Someone with a sleep debt will always […]

How to get more REM sleep — the internal ‘therapy’ that happens when you’re unconscious

May 14, 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “How to get more REM sleep — the internal ‘therapy’ that happens when you’re unconscious.”

How to Be More Productive in College Without Losing Sleep

May 8, 2021 | Evan Thompson Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, knows it’s tough for students to go to bed on time. Nighttime distractions seemingly never end in college. But staying up too late will make students less productive the next day. His advice? Wake up at the same time […]

Magnesium may help you sleep — here’s how to take it to improve your sleep quality

April 29 , 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Magnesium may help you sleep — here’s how to take it to improve your sleep quality.”

What’s The Difference Between Pink, Brown, & White Noise?

By Carolyn Steber April 23, 2021 There are actually different “colors” of noise to choose from. The most common are white, pink, and brown noise, and each one sounds slightly unique due to its makeup. “Noise, whatever the color, refers to the sound of various random frequencies,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified doctor of psychiatry and sleep medicine, tells […]

The Truth About Sunrise Alarm Clocks

By Elizabeth S. Mitchell/April 22, 2021 While cortisol might sound scary – since many associate it with being the stress hormone – it actually has a positive affect on our energy levels with proper doses at the proper time. Medical doctor Alex Dimitriu tells Well and Good that these clocks can not only work, but may […]

Why is sleep so important? Dr Sophie Bostock explains

Natalie Roberts, 15 APRIL 2021 The combination of increased anxiety levels with the blurring of work/life boundaries over the past year has resulted in poor sleep quality for many people, agrees Dr Alex Dimitriu, founder of SiliconPsych.com. Click HERE for the full article.

Are There Really Any Benefits to Weighted Blankets?

April 15, 2021 | By Diana Kelly Adds Dr. Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, their main benefit might be a drawback at night. “Also keep in mind that the heat generated under a weighted blanket may be detrimental to good sleep, as people sleep better when the body can cool down,” […]

How to Sleep Better: Ask Me Anything Q&A with Dr. Alex Dimitriu

Dr. Dimitriu was the featured guest on the Webinar from Stamina Lab During this Q&A webinar, Stamina Lab founder Glen Lubbert asks sleep expert Alex Dimitriu, MD questions submitted by attendees on how to improve their sleep. April 5, 2021 Click HERE to listen.

Sleep Procrastination Might Be Stealing Precious Hours of Rest From You—Here’s How to Stop It

By Lindsey Lanquist, April 05, 2021 “Sleep is like a bank account, and it takes time to build up and time to deplete,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Chronic sleep deprivation builds up to moodiness, depression, irritability, more anxiety, less impulse control … and worse, memory.” Hearing that, it’s pretty clear […]

Try These Sleep Affirmations to Score Some Serious Shut-eye

By Dominique Michelle Astorino, April 02, 2021 So, consider the practice of repeating positive statements as your gateway to the elusive meditative mindset, in which you can close the metaphorical tabs of your brain. By focusing your mind on the sleep affirmation statement, the sound, and the repetition, you’re able to still your thoughts as well […]

The best pillows of 2021: Buffy, Casper, Brooklinen and more

By Ambar Pardilla, April 1, 2021 A pillow “can make a big difference in our ability to sleep well,” noted board-certified psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, a sleep medicine specialist. Like your posture during the day, your posture throughout night is just as important. Generally, the wrong pillow will fall short for two reasons: It’s too high or […]

Is Sleep-Care The New Self-Care? All Signs Point To Yes

Wendy Gould, Mar 25, 2021 Good sleep doesn’t just affect our mood and cognitive function. It impacts our greater physical health, too, notes Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified doctor who specializes in both sleep medicine and psychiatry. He adds that sleep is also essential to a healthy metabolism and immune system. Studies show that lack […]

How to Improve Sleep Quality and Daytime Function? 

Lana Farinha, Active Mothers Podcast, March 23, 2021 Dr. Dimitriu was the guest on the Podcast.  Click HERE to listen.

The 12 Best Detox Teas to Reset Your System and Give Your Metabolism a Boost 

By Kaitlin Vogel, MARCH 23, 2021 “While the promise of these products is appealing, it is also important to look at real science, not anecdotal reports, to see what the true benefit – if any, there is from these products,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo […]

Simvastatin has no effect on schizophrenia symptoms, cognition

By Marilynn Larkin, MARCH 17, 2021 Dr. Alex Dimitriu founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in California also commented by email. “There appears to be improvement at six months, which is then lost at 12 months. Also, and perhaps suggestive of a placebo effect, for both adherent and non-adherent.” “While there may still be a […]

How To Fall Asleep Fast (and What To Do When You Can’t)

By Jennifer Aldrich, March 17, 2021 Another common issue is “poor sleep hygiene,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., who’s double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “This often results from going to bed at irregular times, or sleeping too much on some days, and then having insomnia on the […]

Dangerous Side Effects of Not Sleeping Enough, Say Experts

By Emilia Paluszek, March 15, 2021 “Attention and focus are also impacted with poor sleep, and people will experience trouble learning and retaining new material, or being increasingly forgetful of previously learned material,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD. Click HERE for the full article.

The 8 Best Sound Machines for Sleep of 2021

By Abby Stassen Fact checked by Ashley Hall  March 10, 2021 Loud, unexpected, or overly variable sounds can catch our attention, and interfere with sleep. A good sound machine would ideally create a gentle backdrop of very neutral noise—in this case, white noise machines or the sound of a fan, can be helpful. —Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in […]

10 Simple Habits That Can Actually Help You Fall Asleep Faster

March 8, 2021 by Elizabeth Enochs “Bright lights and screens suppress melatonin. They trick your body into thinking it’s daytime still,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told POPSUGAR. “Besides making it harder to fall asleep, bright lights and screens can also […]

Why Am I Waking Up with Headaches? A Sleep Expert Helps Us Save Our Morning

By Lindsay Champion | Mar. 1, 2021 Sleep apnea. This is one of the most common causes of morning headaches. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells us. “This happens because the brain is starved of oxygen during periods of snoring, which leads to headaches.” Sleep apnea can […]

Asked a Sleep Expert How to Sleep 8 Hours in 4 Hours (& If It’s Even Possible)

By Lindsay Champion, Feb. 23, 2021 We hate to break it to you, but you can’t. There is no shortcut for a good night’s sleep, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “The body goes through specific stages of sleep, which we refer […]

Asking Yourself ‘Why Don’t I Have Dreams?’ The Answer Might Surprise You

Jessica Estrada・February 21, 2021 Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, adds dreams are very likely the brain’s way of working through problems, past events, as well as planning for the future. “Dreams allow us to connect loose concepts and ideas, and may also […]

Yes, you can overdose on melatonin — here’s how to find your proper dosage

February 12, 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Yes, you can overdose on melatonin — here’s how to find your proper dosage.”

Is It Better to Sleep Without a Pillow? 2 Sleep Experts Weigh In

By Lindsay Champion Feb. 9, 2021 Pillows make sense if you think about it: “If you look at a person laying down, the shoulders are far wider than the head,” says sleep medicine expert Dr. Alex Dimitriu. “What this implies is that for anyone sleeping on their side, essentially, their shoulder gets in the way, and they need […]

Could Sleep Anxiety Be to Blame for Your Tiredness?

By Dominique Michelle Astorino, February 01, 2021 Insomnia disorder is its own beast, according to Dr, Dimitriu. “Insomnia disorder (or psychophysiological insomnia ) is not a result of depression, anxiety, medical issues, or substances including alcohol, caffeine, or stimulants.” Rather it’s defined as trouble initiating or maintaining sleep or waking too early, three days per week […]

The best sunrise alarm clock in 2021

January 19, 2021 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “The best sunrise alarm clock in 2021.”

How Long Does It Take to Fall Asleep? What’s Normal & What’s Totally Not, According to a Sleep Expert

By Alexia Dellner | Jan. 28, 2021 “Really short times to fall asleep (i.e., less than five minutes) often suggest significant sleepiness or sleep debt from insufficient sleep on prior nights,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD from Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine tells us. Other signs that you’re sleep deprived include fatigue, irritability, mood changes, difficulty focusing, a weakened immune system […]

How a Full Moon May Affect Your Sleep

Written by George Citroner on January 27, 2021 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, said the moon most likely exerts its effect by an increase in evening or nighttime light. This might suppress melatonin (a sleep hormone), which affects the onset and duration of sleep. “According to this study, it does seem that […]

What Is Toxic Positivity, and Why Do Experts Say It’s Harmful?

January 21, 2021 by Jenna Wirth “Toxic positivity is essentially the denial of negative feelings, a forced positive attitude that attempts to negate any negative sentiment,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told POPSUGAR. “It’s telling someone ‘to cheer up’ or that […]

Should you wake a sleepwalker? And other sleepwalking FAQs answered

Amanda Capritto, Jan. 20, 2021 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor at Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, says sleepwalking is an example of a “disorder of confusional arousal.” “People do weird things at night when they are half awake and half asleep,” he says. “You are confused, because you are half asleep. I […]

Night terrors: What causes them and how to get rid of them

Amanda Capritto, Jan. 20, 2021 Night terrors and nightmares both involve sleep and fear, but they differ in a couple of ways. One key difference is the time at which they happen, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, psychiatrist and sleep physician at Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine.  Nightmares are scary dreams that usually occur during REM sleep, which […]

What Are Depression Naps?

By Emilia Benton, January 13, 2021 According to Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California, depression naps refer to taking a nap when you’re feeling low, in an effort to boost your mood. But it might not necessarily indicate a serious problem. “It […]

This Is What Your Brain Does During Sleep

By Gary Greenberg, December 2020 “Sleep is essential for the brain, which is the most metabolically active organ in the body,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. “Like a house after a wild party, the brain needs a complete shutdown for a thorough clean-up after each day.” […]

The truth about Weight Watchers

By K.M. Langevin, Dec. 30, 2020 “Dieting alone is part of a much more complex system,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, psychologist and sleep specialist, told Health Digest. “Behavioral change, with the aim of overall health and sustainability, can lead to much better outcomes.” That bodes well for WW, as it offers training and tools to help […]

When Is It Too Much? Managing OCD During COVID

By Dr. Alex Dimitriu, Dec., 22, 2020 Imagine trying to tell yourself not to think about the coronavirus. Impossible, right? But everyday virus prevention measures such as handwashing and physical distancing also happen to overlap tremendously with the type of circular thinking and repetitive behaviors known all too well by those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Click HERE for […]

Surprising ways marriage can affect your health

By K.M. Langevin/DEC. 22, 2020 “Humans are essentially social creatures,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, dual board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, explained to Health Digest. “And we do better when we ‘belong,’ or have a purpose.” Dimitriu highlighted a study about “Blue Zones,” or places where people live the longest. These are also “places where there […]

THE ONE THING THAT’S PROVEN TO TREAT INSOMNIA

By Lauren Vinopal, DEC., 17, 2020 Psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu agrees, describing insomnia as “a finger-trap problem, where the harder you force sleep, the worse sleep can be.” This is why many doctors are careful to clinically diagnose insomnia, preferring instead to focus on the main symptom of not being able to fall or […]

Always Running on 6 Hours of Sleep? Experts Explain Why You Should Aim For More

December 17, 2020 by Caitlin Flynn Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, agreed, noting that you may need to allot even more time to make sure you’re getting adequate sleep on nights when it doesn’t come easily. “Aiming for eight […]

Ever Wondered About Lucid Dreaming? Experts Explain the Risks and Benefits and How to Do It

December 15, 2020 by Jenna Wirth In simple terms, lucid dreaming can feel like a “virtual reality” experience, Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told POPSUGAR. People who experience lucid dreaming can “control the content and interact with the dream, whereas […]

Working around stress

By Jackson A. Thomas, Dec. 2020 “The pandemic has worsened stress, as boundaries between home and work have been blurred,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. “Kids, pets, home life and other distractions now interfere with people’s attempts to work. The lack of social contacts […]

If you can’t fall asleep at night, this is probably why

By Kelsie Calderon, Dec. 9, 2020 We all know that smoking isn’t good for the lungs, but it could be what’s keeping you up late at night too. While many people turn to cigarettes in order to calm them down, “nicotine in cigarettes can have a stimulating effect,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, dual board-certified psychiatrist and […]

What Do Dreams About Someone Dying Mean?

Written by Ann Pietrangelo on December 7, 2020 “The goal ultimately may not be to avoid having such dreams, but rather approach them with curiosity to better understand them,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, told Healthline. Recurring dreams about death can be the result of ongoing stress and unresolved issues. Try to identify […]

The Simple Way to Boost Your Immunity Against COVID-19, Say Doctors

By Emilia Paluszek, Nov 29, 2020 “Memory, focus, and learning ability are improved,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD. “Recall of facts and words is better, so our language and thoughts become more fluid as well.” Click HERE for the full article.

The best sunrise alarm clock of 2020

November 24, 2020 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “The best sunrise alarm clock of 2020.”

7 Common Deficiencies Most Of Us Have Without Even Realizing It

By Lena Zhu, November 24, 2020 Surprised you here, didn’t I? Sleep deprivation is a common issue in adults. According to Dr. Alex Dimitriu of SleepFoundation.org, sleep deprivation affects around one-third of American adults and has worsened in recent years. Sleep is incredibly important to our mental, physical, and emotional health. Not getting enough sleep can […]

Tips for Finding the Sleep Routine That’s Right for You

By Jessica Migala, Medically Reviewed by Samuel Mackenzie, MD, PhD, November 24, 2020 The more consistent you are with your sleep the better you’ll feel — and the easier sleep will come, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a dual-board certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine in private practice in Menlo Park, California. “Everyone thinks that sleep is a one-night commitment, but the […]

You’re Probably Sleep Deprived — Here’s How to Know

By Dominique Michelle Astorino Nov 13, 2020 Depending on caffeine may seem like an obvious sign, but it bears emphasizing. “If you’re drinking more than one cup of coffee or Red Bull to get through the day, chances are, you’re sleep-deprived,” says Dr. Dimitriu. The other one? Yawning and dreaming of laying down on the couch in your […]

What to Say if Things Get Political at Thanksgiving Dinner

Mackenzie Dunn, Nov 10, 2020 “The goal is to be non-violent, and not try to convince everyone else of your opinion,” says board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Alex Dimitriu, M.D. “When someone is intense or passionate, they want to evoke the same response in you,” he says. Don’t fight back. Instead, Dr. Dimitriu says to move on and proactively […]

What Not Enough Sleep Does to Your Body, Say Doctors

By Emilia Paluszek, October 31, 2020 “Attention and focus are also impacted with poor sleep, and people will experience trouble learning and retaining new material, or being increasingly forgetful of previously learned material,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD. Click HERE for the full article.

Your Complete Guide to Taking the Best Nap of Your Life

Written by Brittany Risher on October 29, 2020 Longer naps may also interfere with the quality of your nighttime sleep, adds Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, who is double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. “Some people can get into cycles of napping by day and sleeping poorly at night as […]

How to Identify Your Feelings with a Wheel of Emotions — and Why You Should

By Dominique Michelle Astorino, October 27, 2020 “The wheel of emotions is a useful tool for people to start to better identify their feelings, rather than saying ‘I just don’t feel good,’” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Click HERE for the full article.

Doctors Explain Why You Might Get Headaches at Night — and How to Prevent Them

October 23, 2020 by Lesley Chen Tension headaches: You’ve likely had at least one tension headache in your life, as it is the most common form of headaches, although its exact causes aren’t clear. “Tension headaches are associated with stress and muscle tension and often are felt like a band-like pain in the back of the head,” Alex […]

5 Myths About Social Anxiety Disorder, According to Mental Health Experts

By Lauren Smith, October 22, 2020 “When does some condition count enough to be a disorder? In the case of social anxiety, the intensity of the condition must be enough to cause life disturbance,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. In other […]

Here’s What That Sex Dream Really Means

By Dominique Michelle Astorino, October 19, 2020 “Dreams can always be affected by what is on your mind by day and before sleep,” agrees Alex Dimitriu, M.D., double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Without a doubt, having sexual feelings or thoughts about someone, or some fantasy can […]

7 Under-the-Radar Signs Stress Is Impacting Your Sleep

By Julia Malacoff, October 11, 2020 Enter: Stress hormones. “Stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline and even dopamine can be elevated during periods of stress, and they can remain elevated for some time, even after the stressor is gone,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a board-certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine. So once you get riled up […]

Waking Up With Anxiety at Night? Here’s What Experts Recommend

By Jessica Migala, Oct. 06, 2020 Drinking may have gone up in Covid-19 times, and alcohol isn’t good for your sleep, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a dual board-certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine in Menlo Park, California. Alcohol may send you to dreamland quickly, but it also disrupts sleep in the second half of the night. You […]

What Is Somniphobia? What to Do If You Have Sleep Anxiety

By Jessica Migala, Oct. 01, 2020 Plan a transition period between awake time and going to bed. “Your brain needs to slow down to shift gears, and too many people try to be super productive to the last minute,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a dual-board certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine in Menlo Park, […]

Can You Use Melatonin for Anxiety? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Lizette Borreli  Sep. 30, 2020 Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, adds that melatonin has been shown to improve sleep quality, which may also help the brain better restore itself at night and be better equipped to handle daily stress and dips […]

Why Morning Anxiety Is a Thing and What to Do About It

By Jessica Migala, September 29, 2020 Your body was built to deal with anxiety as soon as you open your eyes in bed, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a dual-board certified doctor in psychiatry and sleep medicine in Menlo Park, California. “In the morning, [the stress hormone] cortisol is elevated, and you have more adrenaline and an […]

Sleep Experts Call for End to Daylight Saving Time

By Elizabeth Millard, Fact checked by Andrea Rice, September 11, 2020 For many people, another issue is that it takes more than a few days to adjust, adds Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “In my practice, issues like insomnia, depression, and anxiety often get worse around the shift in daylight saving, […]

Hot Weather Might be Triggering Your Anxiety Dreams — 7 Ways to Cool Down

Written by Meg Walters on September 11, 2020 According to Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, hot weather causes you to wake up more often at the end of the REM cycle. This means you’re more likely to remember the dream you were […]

These antidepressants are the most popular meds on SingleCare in September

By Jamie Rose, September 9, 2020 In addition to shorter days, September marks the start of the back-to-school season, and many people return to work after summer vacations. According to Alex Dimitriu, MD, the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, many factors can contribute to a declining mood in September: “The official ‘return […]

Forcing a Smile May Improve Your Mood, Study Suggests

By Elizabeth Millard, August 28, 2020 This study highlights a potentially curious feedback loop between external appearance and internal feelings, according to Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “There could well be a link between how we appear and how we feel, whether we are forcibly smiling or simply frowning less,” he […]

Is It an Anxiety Disorder, or Just Life in 2020?

Elizabeth Yuko, 8/25/2020 In some cases, anxiety can cross the line between just being an emotion everyone experiences, to a disorder that could require some form of treatment. But where is that line? According to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist, everyone has a “baseline” level of anxiety—a certain amount that they feel all the time—as well as […]

9 Common Things That Can Make You Feel Hungover (That Aren’t Alcohol)

By Eva Taylor Grant and Jay Polish, Aug. 24, 2020 “Certain medications, taken for sleep, can also cause next-day sedation or headaches,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, M.D., the founder of therapy and psychiatry service Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. If your doctor prescribes sleep medicine to you, make sure you talk about the side effects. And if you’re […]

Here’s what to do if you live with a sleepwalker

By Phoebe Mcrae, August 20, 2020 To help avoid sleepwalking episodes, ensure the sleepwalker adheres to a strict sleep schedule and make note of any potential triggers. As sleep medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu revealed to Well+Good, you should also, “Put gates at the top of stairs, locks on doors, set alarms, and keep floors uncluttered” […]

Tips for Handling the Most Toxic People in Your Life (Who You Can’t Just Cut Out)

by Elizabeth Yuko, AUGUST 18, 2020 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist, tells SheKnows that what makes a person toxic is when they intrude on the lives of those around them, noting that “while it may be OK to be a reclusive curmudgeon or an isolated, anxious person, toxicity emerges when these people’s moods try to spread to […]

The Simple Way to Boost Your Immunity Against COVID-19, Say Doctors

By Emilia Paluszek, JULY 23, 2020 “Memory, focus, and learning ability are improved,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD. “Recall of facts and words is better, so our language and thoughts become more fluid as well.” Click HERE for the full article.

Burnout In The Time Of Coronavirus 

By Lauren Brauns, July 22, 2020 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a California sleep doctor, told Psychology Today that avoiding burnout may be better accomplished by simply paying attention to basic biological needs instead of writing the next American novel. Sleep at least seven hours and aim for eight or nine, Dimitriu said, and eat healthy—even when comfort food […]

Healthcare’s Digital Revolution: How Pop Culture’s Tech Tools Are Impacting Patients and Providers

By Malia Jacobson, Summer 2020 Instead of presenting patients with their health data, providers are now fielding questions about health data that patients bring in with them. “Patients are increasingly bringing in their health data from apps and wearable devices,” says sleep specialist and psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep […]

7 Myths About Bipolar Disorder, Debunked By Experts

By Carina Wolff, July 20, 2020 Not everyone with bipolar disorder will have had a manic episode. “Some people may simply experience cycles of low mood and even mood,” psychiatrist Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, tells Bustle. “Others may experience periods of increased irritability and productivity — but never the happy high we all associate with bipolar.” Click HERE for […]

What Happens to Your Body When You Can’t Sleep Every Night

By Emilia Paluszek, July 19, 2020 “Attention and focus are also impacted with poor sleep, and people will experience trouble learning and retaining new material, or being increasingly forgetful of previously learned material,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD. Click HERE for the full article.

The One Thing I Started Doing Every Night To Help Me Sleep Like A Baby

JULY 13, 2020, by Christine Flammia This is the same idea behind having a cool bedroom for optimal sleep: “A good amount of research demonstrates that a drop in body temperature results in deeper sleep at night,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. “For this reason, we advise cool, dark […]

We Asked Health Experts To Break Down How Stress Can Impact Nearly Every Part of the Body

Sonia Weiser・July 13, 2020 Waking up every hour? Unable to fall asleep? Like J Lo, are you tossing and turning, emotions are strong? That’s a classic manifestation of stress. “Stress and anxiety work to make us more vigilant and reactive,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. […]

What’s the Difference? Egocentric vs Egotistical vs Narcissistic

By The Editors  July 2, 2020 “In my professional work, we have come up with a balance between “Darwin and Buddha.” This is essentially a scale or spectrum of ego – from ego centrism to ego dissolution. No ego vs. too much ego. Whatever the label, some people have too much ego, beyond one standard deviation of the norm. When […]

The Connection Between Adderall and Depression

By Sarah Sheppard, Published on July 02, 2020 Though ADHD and depression can be diagnosed separately or together, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, it’s better to treat one condition at a time. Even though ADHD can cause depression, it is best to treat depression first, he explains. Once mood […]

Groundhog Day: Burnout in the Time of COVID

By Dr. Alex Dimitriu, Jun 19, 2020 You wake up each day tired. The day ahead seems like a multi-stage triathlon. Too many people have brought up the term “Groundhog Day,” to not mention it formally. You wake up each day tired. The day ahead seems like a multi-stage triathlon. You want to stay in […]

ADHD AFFECTS OLDER ADULTS, TOO. KNOW THE SIGNS AND TREATMENTS AVAILABLE.

By YouAreUNLTD, June 18, 2020 Is your life often chaotic because you just can’t focus or stay organized? Have relationship problems because you can’t complete tasks? Forget important things or easily become upset over minor things? It’s possible you have attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is surprisingly common in adults, according to psychiatrist and sleep […]

Study Shows Rapid Brain Response to Ketamine for Depression

By Elizabeth Millard, June 16, 2020 “Part of ketamine’s utility is that it has many uses, and has been extensively used on the battlefield, as well as in the rescue of the Thai soccer team from a cave [in 2019],” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “It can lift mood, reduce anxiety, and […]

Sleep, Mental Health, and a Viral Pandemic? It’s Complicated

By Dr. Alex Dimitriu, Jun 09, 2020 Sleep, mental health, and now the COVID-19 pandemic? It is a relationship best described in the words of British author Douglas Adams: “All you really need to know for the moment is that the universe is a lot more complicated than you might think.”  Click HERE for the full article.

7 Tips for Living With Depression

By Ruben Castaneda, Staff Writer, June 1, 2020 Prozac, Zoloft and other antidepressants can help with mood symptoms, often within four to six weeks, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who’s double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He’s the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California. “Side effects are not too common, […]

12 Ways to Wake Yourself Up Before You PTFO at Your Desk

by Kara Cuzzone, MAY 20, 2020 “On the days I feel tired, I often notice just as much of a boost in energy from two cups of water as I would from drinking one cup of coffee,” adds Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Keep […]

COVID-19: Tales of the “Good, the Bad and the Ugly”

By Dr. Alex Dimitriu, May 14, 2020 The virus has taken us to simpler time; will we want the “old normal” back? Click HERE for the full article.

Having Trouble Sleeping? Try These Expert-Backed Tips

By Deanna deBara, May 14, 2020 “Exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Exercise helps the body set its natural rhythm and tells the brain that this is a time to be awake. It [also] boosts […]

What’s Up With the Recurring Quarantine Nightmares?

Anna Gragert, May 11, 2020 Unpleasant and strange as these bad dreams might be for those of us having them, sleep experts aren’t surprised. “In a situation like the current one with Covid-19, with an increase in background stress, it makes sense that we might experience more disturbing dreams,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo […]

Screens, Sleep and Home Office Syndrome with Dr. Alex Dimitriu

Podcast host Malia Jacobson, May 7, 2020 Right now, screens connect us to our families, friends, teachers, workplaces, and the world. They also sabotage our sleep. On this episode, psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD, talks about how light exposure shapes our physical and mental health, how to protect sleep when screens are […]

Screen Time Doesn’t Hurt Kids’ Social Skills, Study Finds

by George Citroner on May 1, 2020 “Excess screen time, especially in the evening hours, and even more so just before bed, is bad for everyone’s sleep,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park (California) Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “The blue light from the screen — yes, […]

7 Benefits of Weighted Blankets, Explained by Sleep Specialists

By Kara Cuzzone , | Apr. 29, 2020 In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders, participants with insomnia slept more calmly and spent less time awake in the middle of the night than when they used their regular bedding. They also subjectively believed that the blankets provided them with a better quality sleep. But it’s important […]

Can depression cause insomnia? Yes, the conditions are closely related

MK Manoylov, April 29, 2020 This article was medically reviewed by Alex Dimitriu, MD, psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine.  Depression and insomnia often go hand-in-hand. That’s because depression can disrupt many aspects that help control our sleep-wake cycle.  This disruption can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. Here’s what you […]

Staying Up Too Late Only to Feel Exhausted During the Day? Here’s How to Break the Habit

By Caitlin Flynn, April 23, 2020 Of course, committing to getting up at the same time every morning can be difficult if you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, so you may need to power through a period of feeling tired. Once you’re up, try getting some light exercise — or at least some natural light […]

Are sleeping pills safe? The risks of prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids, and how to use them safely

April 20, 2020 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Are sleeping pills safe? The risks of prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids, and how to use them safely.”

Are naps good for you? 20 to 30 minute naps are best

April 16, 2020 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Are naps good for you? 20 to 30 minute naps are best.”

Why am I having weird dreams? The science behind your dreams and how to manage them

April 16, 2020 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Why am I having weird dreams? The science behind your dreams and how to manage them.”

COVID-19 Pandemic Fuels More Anxiety Dreams

Article by: Jennifer Nelson, Apr 13, 2020 “We know that people can problem solve in their dreams, and so, as the overall anxiety level has crept up, it is not uncommon that we may have more anxious dreams,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry […]

Why depression makes you tired and how to deal with fatigue

April 13, 2020 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Why depression makes you tired and how to deal with fatigue.”

TMS may curb cognitive impairments in chronic schizophrenia

By Marilynn Larkin, APRIL 8, 2020 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in California, commented in an email to Reuters Health, “This study looks fairly solid and supports prior evidence that 10-20 hz stimulation can improve cognition in non-schizophrenic patients (https://bit.ly/2RlPa8S). “One major limitation for clinical practice may be that patients may […]

Sleeping in on the Weekends Could Be Good for Your Life Expectancy

Natasha Lavender, Apr 05, 2020 Before you let yourself off the hook for staying up for just one more episode of your favorite Netflix show every weeknight, hear out the experts. California-based psychiatrist and sleep specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu says, “I worry about studies like this, because we’re already a sleep-deprived society. Just look at the lines in Starbucks! […]

Tips To Help Stop Touching Your Face

Apr 01, 2020 Hand hygiene is an important precaution, washing our hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water helps reduce the risk of passing on anything to our faces that we may have picked up on our hands. “A new ring, jewelry, or even a rubber band around the wrist can serve […]

8 Ways to Conquer Your Nightmares Once and For All, According to Sleep Experts

By Alyssa Jung, Mar 31, 2020 One common nightmare trigger is stress. “They sometimes result from us trying to solve problems in our sleep — this is the brain’s rehearsal system at work in the night, so too much daytime stress can lead to nightmares when you go to bed,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of […]

7 Common Anxiety Dreams & What Experts Say They Mean

by Elizabeth Yuko, Mar 20, 2020 Our brains do some interesting things while we sleep, and we are designed to often forget the content of our dreams, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells SheKnows. So what actually happens in our […]

Adderall withdrawal can cause depressive symptoms

March 18, 2020 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “Adderall withdrawal can cause depressive symptoms.”

Sleep Debt: How To Make Up For Lost Sleep & Why It Matters

By Sarah Ellis, March 14, 2020 Think of your body like a bank, and each night you’re depositing a set amount of money into it. If you miss your “payment” one night, you’ll owe more money the next night to make up for it. Sleep deprivation accumulates in this way. “Sleep is indeed like a […]

Why a Lack of Sleep Can Make You Angry

March 2020 “Lack of sleep can result in a wide variety of symptoms, which are fortunately reversible once sleep is restored,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double-board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Dimitriu says sleep has a powerful role to play in our brain health.  Click HERE […]

Distraction Nation — Why Adults Are Getting Treated for Attention Disorders

March 2020 “There is no doubt that longer work hours, constant interruptions, and decreased sleep time are contributing to the rise of ADHD,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double-board certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, located in the Silicon Valley area of northern California. These constant demands for attention, combined […]

You Probably Touch Your Face 16 Times an Hour: Here’s How to Stop

Written by George Citroner on March 9, 2020 “When actively working, people will often shake their foot, play with their hair, or in these instances, touch their faces. It certainly helps to know when you are most vulnerable to such activities and try to stay aware, during the meeting, or phone call, or while engrossed […]

GOT THE WINTER BLUES OR IS IT SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS? HOW TO SPOT A MOOD DISORDER

By YouAreUNLTD, March 6, 2020 According to psychiatrist Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine Center in Menlo Park, CA, sadness is generally short-lived and dissipates over time as we adjust to a new situation. “We often casually refer to this situational sadness as depression,” he says, “but it is important to distinguish […]

How Daily Naps Can Boost Your Health

By Deanna deBara, March 6, 2020 “The ideal time for a power nap is around the siesta time in some countries, which is usually between 1-3 PM,” says Dimitriu. If you can’t get in a nap in before 3 PM, it’s best to push through until bedtime. “Try to avoid napping later, especially too close to […]

Can NyQuil Cause Memory Loss?

By Julia Rachel Malacoff, March 04, 2020 Another potential (and ironic) side effect of some antihistamine-containing OTC sleep aids is less-than-great sleep. “There is some concern that diphenhydramine may also negatively impact sleep by reducing REM sleep (or dream sleep),” says Dr. Dimitriu. Lack of REM sleep can affect your memory, mood, cognitive performance, and even cell regeneration, so this […]

What Sleep Deprivation Does to Your Body

By Isadora Baum, February 25, 2020 Extended sleep deprivation can put you at higher risk for a heart attack, he adds. That’s not just due to the risk of elevated cortisol and elevated blood pressure; it’s also because sleep deprivation can make you gain weight, adding stress to all your body’s systems. When people lose […]

Why You Sometimes Twitch Awake Right Before You Fall Asleep

By Kate Bratskeir, 01/17/2020 Sleep starts are common in healthy people, but can be exacerbated by fatigue, sleep deprivation or stimulant use (caffeine and beyond), added Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. For the most part, hypnic jerks are benign and nothing to worry […]

A (Former) Night Owl’s Guide to Becoming a Morning Person

By Harry Guinness, Jan. 16, 2020 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, explained it like this: “Long days leave us tired and exhausted, but the reality is, our days would be less hard, and less exhausting, if we weren’t so tired through them. The trouble with being a night owl […]

8 Natural Sleep Aids That Will Actually Help You Rest, According to Sleep Specialists

By Kara Cuzzone,  JAN. 15, 2020 It’s no coincidence that you pass out on the couch every time you cozy up with your weighted blanket. According to the National Sleep Foundation, that’s because they decrease anxiety, increase serotonin levels and reduce restlessness for some people. “I’ve had a number of patients report benefit from these,” confirms Alex Dimitriu, […]

New Research Shows How Sleep Clears Toxins from the Brain

January 14, 2020. Dr. Dimitriu was published in Psychology Today about how sleep clears toxins from the brain. We’ve long known that sleep is as important to our health as good nutrition and regular exercise. Not getting enough sleep is detrimental to daytime functioning – to our mood, energy, concentration and reaction time and over […]

Alcohol-Related Deaths Have Doubled Since 1999, Here’s Why

by George Citroner on January 8, 2020 “I think it’s important to recognize what alcohol is. Alcohol is effectively, in many ways an anesthetic, alcohol makes you feel less, not feel more,” Alex Dimitriu, of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, told Healthline. “The question then becomes, ‘What is it that we’re trying to anesthetize?’ Because I […]

Romantic Relationships: When to Say Goodbye

by Brian Krans, January 8, 2020 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, said that you can also support your partner by offering “gentle, nonjudgmental supervision and guidance” and encouraging healthy behaviors. These behaviors include: getting sufficient, regular sleep using minimal substances exercising performing simple, daily mood tracking practicing self-awareness taking medications as prescribed Click HERE for the full article.

Bipolar Disorder Has a Softer Side

1/6/2020. Dr. Dimitriu was published in Psychology on the topic of Identifying bipolar disorder’s “softer side”. It’s true. Bipolar disorder has a “softer side,” and that’s what makes the condition’s diagnosis all the more challenging in people who have a wide array of what might be considered “finer symptoms.”  Classic bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic, extreme mood swings—from high “highs” […]

WHY DO PEOPLE TALK IN THEIR SLEEP, ANYWAY—AND WHAT CAN THEY DO ABOUT IT?

By Jessica Estrada, DECEMBER 16, 2019 Well, most pressing to note is that although sleep talking may seem like a bit of a strange habit (and probably not one that’ll endear you to any bedmates), it’s nothing to worry about from a health perspective. “Sleep is the most important thing for the mind and should […]

8 Wellness Trends We’d Like To Leave Behind In 2019

By Julia Ries, 12/10/2019 On top of that, easy access to the IVs reduces the consequences of heavy drinking. If we’re not paying for our alcohol-infused mistakes with a brutal hangover, how are we ever going to learn? “While likely an effective way to rehydrate, the process of getting too drunk, hungover, to the point of requiring nearly […]

Trapped in a Cycle of Late Nights? Here’s How Sleep Doctors Say You Can Get to Bed Sooner

December 5, 2019 by Caitlin Flynn Just as light in the mornings can help jumpstart your internal clock, dialing it back can help prepare your body for sleep. “The key is to allow the body an eight-hour window during which sleep is possible,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told POPSUGAR. […]

How to fall asleep faster, according to sleep doctors

Updated Nov. 13, 2019 By Wendy Rose Gould You’ve heard this advice ad nauseam, but there’s a reason meditation has been prescribed to treat the human condition since roughly 1500 BCE. “The art of falling asleep is actually not trying so hard,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, who’s board-certified in both psychiatry and sleep medicine. “Knowing how to clear your thoughts and […]

Weighted blankets: what are the benefits, and do they work?

November 2019 “The science behind weighted blankets points to a ‘cocooning’ benefit which may elevate feelings for comfort and relaxation, possibly through an increase in oxytocin, a powerful bonding hormone,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a physician who is board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. […]

She Thought Antidepressants Would Treat Her Depression. They Didn’t

By Leah Campbell, 11/5/19 “In most cases, 4 to 6 weeks on a therapeutic dose of an antidepressant is enough time to assess if the medication is working,” said Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine.  He made a point of explaining that’s only for therapeutic doses, though. “Indeed, most doctors […]

Light flashes plus cognitive behavior therapy can increase teens’ sleep time

By Marilynn Larkin, New York (Reuters Health) October 4, 2019 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist in Menlo Park, California, commented by email, “For phase 1, CBT was done over the phone, while in phase 2, CBT was done in person, in the lab; it would be interesting to see what is […]

A Patient’s Guide to Pregnancy Insomnia

By Elaine K. Howley, Contributor, Sept. 11, 2019 The simple logistics of growing another human inside your belly leads to a lot of structural changes in the body, which may mean your normal sleeping positions are no longer comfortable. For example, if you prefer to sleep on your stomach, as your pregnancy progresses, you may not […]

What to Know About Sexsomnia, a Rare Sleep Disorder Where You Have Sex in Your Sleep

By Morgan Mandriota, August 19, 2019 What triggers sexsomnia? Basically anything that disrupts a normal, healthy sleep pattern—such as drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine too close to bedtime. Maintaining an irregular sleep schedule or not getting enough sleep can led to sexsomnia as well, Alex Dimitriu, MD, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine […]

How to Recover From a Nightmare

By Elizabeth Yuko, August 15, 2019 In fact, it’s that “realness” of dreams that causes us to continue to experience feelings from the dream—whether that’s joy, sadness, fear or anxiety—upon waking. “There is some theory that we process emotions and feelings in dreams, and in some cases if the emotions are too strong, we wake […]

IS IT DANGEROUS TO WAKE A SLEEPWALKER? (AND OTHER TIPS TO HELP THE SOMNAMBULANT PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE)

By Erin Magner, AUGUST 12, 2019 But why do people sleepwalk, anyway? Sleep medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD, says it falls under the category of “parasomnia”—essentially, a glitch in a person’s sleep cycle. “These states occur when something disturbs our normal sleep depth,” says Dr. Dimitriu. “When this happens, the person awakens partially, in between sleep and wake.” […]

Will a Weighted Blanket Improve Your Sleep? Experts weigh in on the heavy covers.

by Emma Stessman, August 2019 The problem is, weighted blankets are often made with plastic pellets or glass beads, and all that extra weight can make things hot. “The body’s ability to cool off naturally at night allows us to enter deeper, more refreshing sleep,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry […]

Treating Insomnia Outside the (Black) Box

Elaine K. Howley, July 29, 2019 Although nonmedical interventions have long been at the top of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommendations, at least one expert hopes the warnings will encourage practitioners to consider alternatives to the commonly prescribed sedative-hypnotic drugs. “Oftentimes, the hypnotic ‘Z’ drugs, such as zolpidem, are a Band-Aid or cosmetic fix […]

Night and Day: The Essential Role of Sleep Medicine

Dr. Dimitriu was published in Psychology Today on the topic of The Essential Role of Sleep Medicine. Sleep is truly the other half of our waking lives, as well as an essential half of modern psychiatry. During sleep, our brains recharge the neurotransmitters that are so important to our mood and thinking—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, to […]

Am I Depressed or Just Exhausted?

July 23, 2019, by Risa Kerslake “Sleep is the tip of the iceberg for our mind’s state,” Dimitriu explains. “People find it much easier to notice sleep is off because it is objective, thus it truly opens the door to investigating if something else is wrong.” Click HERE for the full article.

What People With Bipolar Disorder Need to Know About Exercise

Christine Coppa, July 19, 2019 Also important to stress: “If someone is in the midst of a bipolar manic or depressed episode, most non-medical interventions, including exercise, will not be enough to help, and should never be relied upon as treatment,” says Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a double board-certified psychiatrist and sleep-medicine specialist in Menlo Park, CA. […]

REM sleep can reset your brain after an upsetting event

By Tracey Anne Duncan, 7/18/19 “REM sleep is considered a time when the brain can process emotional memories, and ‘pack them away,” says Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist at Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine in the San Francisco Bay Area. “When everything is working well, we experience unpleasant — and pleasant — […]

Why You Don’t Sleep as Well on Vacation—Plus, What to Do About It

By Krissy Brady, Updated: July 16, 2019 Because sleep is such a rhythmic activity, travel can easily send our natural rhythms off the rails, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. And this is true even if you’re not switching time zones in the process. The combination of being in […]

Cannabis and Mental Health: Schizophrenia

July 11, 2019, by  Andrew Ward Dr. Alex Dimitriu is a double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. In response to this article, Dr. Dimitriu explained what the effects of psychosis are like on a person. “Psychosis is defined as having false beliefs (often called delusions) and […]

Experts Decode These 7 Common Anxiety Dreams

by Elizabeth Yuko, Jul 10, 2019 Our brains do some interesting things while we sleep, and we are designed to often forget the content of our dreams, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells SheKnows. So what actually happens in our […]

Why Some People Always Remember Their Dreams and Others Forget

June 25, 2019 New — Written by Sarah Fielding  “Whether they remember or not, all people do dream in their sleep. It is an essential function for the human brain, and also present in most species,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells […]

7 Surprisingly Common Sleep Problems That May Be Health Issues

By Jordan Bissell, 6/25/19 People who have trouble sleeping can sometimes obsess about getting a solid night’s sleep. “Some people with insomnia think about sleep as much as 10 times more per day than the average person,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells Bustle. […]

Do Brain-Boosting Supplements Actually Work Or Are They Total B.S.?

By Locke Hughes, 05/29/2019 It’s important to note that simply taking one or two of these nootropic agents often results in no significant net change, explained Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. Instead, researchers have found that a concoction of some of the most researched and validated supplements, with overlapping benefits, […]

Constantly Waking Up During the Night? Here’s How to Know If It’s Something More Serious

May 22, 2019 by Colleen Travers Having a glass of wine before bed can disrupt your sleep (and make you more likely to need to use the bathroom during the night), and even conditions like anxiety and depression can cause you to toss and turn, according to Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double board-certified physician in psychiatry and sleep medicine […]

Trapped in a Cycle of Late Nights? Here’s How Sleep Doctors Say You Can Get to Bed Sooner

May 9, 2019 by  Caitlin Flynn Just as light in the mornings can help jumpstart your internal clock, dialing it back can help prepare your body for sleep. “The key is to allow the body an eight-hour window during which sleep is possible,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told POPSUGAR. […]

8 Unexpected Sleep Habits That Can Commonly Lead To Divorce, According To Experts

By Jordan Bissell, 4/26/19 If you like to crawl into bed early enough to read a few chapters of a book but your partner prefers to stay up late watching TV, you should be extra careful to communicate so that conflicts don’t arise. “Respect each other’s right to sleep,” Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry […]

I SWITCHED TO A SUNRISE ALARM CLOCK, AND I’M NO LONGER DREADING EARLY WAKE-UP CALLS

By Erin Magner, APRIL 24, 2019 And according to Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, sunrise alarm clocks can actually be effective because they tap into the body’s innate biorhythms. “There is some evidence that natural morning light can actually help prepare the body to wake up,” he says. “This make sense, as […]

Your Guide to Microdosing for Anxiety and Depression

By Kayleigh Roberts, April 19, 2019 Alex Dimitriu, a physician, agrees that LSD and other psychedelics’ impact on the serotonergic system play a role in its effectiveness in treating anxiety and depression, but he also suggests it may be something more than that. “Even SSRIs that people take now don’t just work on one little […]

A Scientists’ Guide to Better Sleep

Jamie Friedlander, Apr 12, 2019 Create a space you’re happy to spend time in Room colors should generally be soothing and create a relaxed atmosphere in the bedroom. It should be a comfortable, cozy den, with colors, furniture, bedding, and soft lighting that make the space special for you. You have to love your bedroom. — […]

These Sleep-Inducing Drinks Are Like Zzz’s In a Bottle

By Molly Longman | Mar 30, 2019 But before you start chugging one nightly, know this: These drinks can help you drift off, but you should switch back to plain water every third night so your body can practice snoozing naturally, suggests Alex Dimitriu, M.D., founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. “As with all sleep-inducing aids or supplements, […]

A Patient’s Guide to Pregnancy Insomnia

By Elaine K. Howley, March 29, 2019 Insomnia is the state of not being able to sleep or having inadequate or poor quality of sleep. Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep medicine specialist who’s double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, says insomnia occurs in about 20 […]

Fatal Familial Insomnia: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

By Elaine K. Howley, Contributor March 27, 2019 Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep medicine specialist who’s double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, says that “people with fatal familial insomnia develop this inability to sleep. This goes on for a couple of months and ends in […]

5 Signs Your Child Isn’t Ready For A Sibling, According To Experts

By Jacqueline Burt Cote, March 26, 2019 “The question of having more children should truly be founded in the stability and happiness of the current state of affairs,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, M.D., a California-based psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells Romper. “If everyone is happy, learning, and interacting well, then truly it […]

It’s More Than Just Your Brain — These Are the Physical Symptoms of Depression

March 20, 2019 by CHRISTINA STIEHL “There are other physical manifestations of depression that people may confuse with chronic pain. Psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, said that the lack of sleep and overall fatigue associated with depression can make bodily aches and pains feel worse. “There is some evidence that depression may also be a state of heightened […]

9 Common Things That Can Make You Feel Hungover (That Aren’t Alcohol)

By Eva Taylor Grant, 3/12/19 “Certain medications, taken for sleep, can also cause next day sedation or headaches,” Alex Dimitriu, M.D., double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells Bustle. If your doctor prescribes sleep medicine to you, make sure you read the side effects. And if you’re […]

5 ways to fall asleep faster, according to sleep doctors

March 11, 2019, By Wendy Rose Gould You’ve heard this advice ad nauseum, but there’s a reason meditation has been prescribed to treat the human condition since roughly 1500 BCE. “The art of falling asleep is actually not trying so hard,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who’s board-certified in both psychiatry and sleep medicine. “Knowing how to clear your […]

A Patient’s Guide to Insomnia

By Elaine K. Howley, Contributor, 3/11/19 As awful as sleeplessness might feel, if there is strength in numbers, then you can take some small comfort in the fact that you’re far from alone. “The data shows that between 20 and 30 percent of people will be affected with insomnia during the course of their lives,” […]

CBD and Insomnia: What You Need to Know

By Mary Sauer, February 27, 2019 “One mechanism by which CBD works may be through a general calming of the nervous system,” explains Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Cannabis strains will differ in the ratio of CBD to THC, and additional substances, […]

Sleeping In On the Weekend Doesn’t Make Up for Lost Sleep During Week

Written by Kimberly Holland on February 27, 2019 “Sleep debt can increase depressive symptoms, worsen anxiety, lead to substance use, cause weight gain and slow metabolism, worsen inflammation, and impair memory,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, told Healthline. Click HERE for the full […]

Is It Unhealthy to Sleep with a Baby Blanket or Stuffed Animal As an Adult?

By Gabrielle Kassel | Feb 13, 2019 “If you decide you need or want to break up with Teddy, good news: Everyone is capable of sleeping naturally. If it has become unhealthy, overcoming that habit is just a matter of being patient as you re-train yourself, says Dimitriu. He encourages his patients to practice sleeping on their […]

Can You Date With Schizophrenia?

By Camille Noe Pagán, February 12, 2019 “For example, if you spend the night at someone else’s house, do you have a plan for making sure you’re able to take your medication on schedule?” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist and the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California. You also need think […]

Marriage ADHD Have we lost the instinct for commitment?

February 2019 Dr. Dimitriu was published in Westchester Family Magazine. “Marriages have always been complicated. It takes time and effort to develop trust and intimacy and the deep love that sustains a couple over many years and through the rough patches. It takes sacrifice and compromise and putting another person’s wants and needs ahead of […]

There’s a Shortage of a Major Anxiety Med: Here’s What to Know

Written by Brian Krans on February 7, 2019 “Dimitriu says he worries the “illusion of scarcity” could create a sense of panic and unnecessary anxiety for his patients. “Certainly it is not good to start and stop psychiatric medications abruptly, and this is a definite issue with the current shortage,” he said. Dimitriu recommends those currently on […]

Elderly with sleep deprivation at higher risk of Alzheimer’s

By Sholem Berkowitz, Jan 30, 2019 Dr. Alex Dimitriu – a double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and the founder of Menlo park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine said: “Research shows that during sleep the brain can shrink substantially as it clears built-up toxins, tau, and amyloid among them.” Click HERE for the full article on the […]

7 Shocking Ways Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night Affects Your Body The Next Day

By  Eva Taylor Grant, Jan 31, 2019 “Waking up during the night, in sleep medicine, is referred to as ‘sleep fragmentation,’” Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, tells Bustle. “The trouble with waking during the night is that it impacts the quality as […]

Anxious Millennials on the Promise of Sleep

By Marie Solis, Jan 31 2019 Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine expert, said that in addition to stress and anxiety, the growing obsolescence of the 9-to-5 workday has had a deleterious effect on his patients’ sleep patterns. The workday hews closer to 8 to 5 (or 9 to 6) for many employees now, and a larger share of […]

6 Habits That Can Be Signs Of Undiagnosed Sleep Anxiety

By Carina Wolff, 1/30/19 For those with sleep anxiety, stress over sleep extends beyond the night. “It is worthwhile noting that numerous studies of people with insomnia have shown that these people also tend to think about sleep a lot more than the average population, throughout the day,” psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor Alex Dimitriu, MD, […]

Excessive Screen Time for Kids Can Cause Developmental Delays by Kindergarten

Written by George Citroner on January 27, 2019 “Quality screen time is possible, but we need to take a look at what our kids are doing with the devices,” Dr. Alex Dimitriu, board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in California, told Healthline. Click HERE for the full […]

Should You Sleep With A Fan On? Science Has Some Interesting Answers

By Brittany Anas, 1/23/19 In addition to acting as a white noise machine, fans can, of course, keep a bedroom cool, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and is the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. “Having a cooler bedroom can help deepen sleep,” he says. Click […]

7 Unexpected Signs You May Have Walking Depression

By Carina Wolff, 1/16/18 “Getting through a day when mood and energy are low or anxiety is high can be a significant and exhausting hurdle for people,” psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, tells Bustle. “I often hear clients describe themselves as ‘sick and tired’ on most days for some time as an expression of this fatigue.” Click HERE for […]

One-Time Cannabis Use May Alter Teen Brains

George W. Citroner, January 15, 2019 Also commenting on the study, Alex Dimitriu, MD, a psychiatrist and sleep doctor in Menlo Park, California, told Medscape Medical News that “the findings seem counterintuitive.” “It’s surprising to see such minimal cannabis use yield any measurable changes in brain structures or volumes,” said Dimitriu, who was not associated with the study “Whether […]

5 Signs You May Have A Nightmare Disorder

By Carina Wolff, 1/14/19 “Unlike sleep terrors, people with nightmare disorder tend to actually remember their dreams and will awake with a memory of them,” psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor Alex Dimitriu, MD, tells Bustle. “Because we get more REM sleep towards the morning hours, people will often report waking with nightmares in the second, or […]

Risk of Alzheimer’s May Be Higher in Older Adults With Sleep Problems

Researchers say lack of sleep can cause a buildup of certain proteins in the brain. Written by George Citroner on January 13, 2019 “Research shows that during sleep the brain can shrink substantially as it clears built-up toxins, tau, and amyloid among them, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and […]

Why Do I Sweat In My Sleep?

Experts share the most common causes of night sweats and when to be concerned. By Nicole Pajer, Huff Post US Drinking a glass of wine while you wind down for bed? Consuming alcohol too close to bedtime can lead to sweaty sleep. If it’s disrupting your sleep, Cralle suggested cutting back on the booze and […]

6 Hacks For Reversing Sleep Debt

By Carina Wolff, 12/14/18 If you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, consider some natural remedies to help you doze off. “Certain supplements, like tryptophan, melatonin, valerian, or chamomile root may also help deepen sleep,” psychiatrist and sleep doctor Alex Dimitriu, MD, tells Bustle. “Avoiding alcohol and large meals before you do sleep can help as well, […]

Solriamfetol may curb OSA-associated excessive daytime sleepiness

By Marilynn Larkin, December 11, 2018 Solriamfetol, an investigational norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, improved excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a phase 3 trial reported last month in Chest. Click HERE for the full article on MDLinx. This same article also ran in Reuters Health and MD Alert.

Do Olly’s Restful Sleep Gummies Work? I Put Them To The Test

By  Olivia Muenter, Dec 2018 One of the greatest ironies in my life is that I have trouble falling asleep when I have anxiety and when I can’t sleep, my anxiety usually grows into a panic attack. You might know the feeling, too: Your mind is racing with what ifs and jumping to the worst conclusions. Then your heart […]

What Does It Mean to be Bipolar?

by ALEX DIMITRIU, MD, December 2018 Everyone experiences normal ups and downs in their mood, but bipolar disorder – characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels – can make day-to-day life far more challenging. Fortunately, this psychiatric condition can be effectively controlled with a variety of treatment approaches. Click HERE for the full article on […]

How To Sleep Better This Holiday Season

By  Kelsey Butler, November 26, 2018 Thanksgiving dinner arguments. Incessant renditions of “Jingle Bells.” New Year’s Eve merriment. The holidays aren’t exactly known for calm and quiet. In fact, this festive time of year can actually wreak havoc on your rest—for a couple of major reasons. Click HERE for the full article on the Saatva […]

6 Surprising Things That Can Contribute To Nightmares (Huffington Post)

Plus, experts explain how to ward off the bad dreams for good. By Emily Blackwood, 11/21/2018 There are numerous factors that can contribute to disrupted sleep and bad dreams, according to experts. Everyone knows what it’s like to be jolted awake by a particularly scary dream. While it’s easy to blame it on your last […]

9 Things Your Body Is Telling You When You Wake Up In The Middle Of The Night (Bustle)

By Carina Wolff, 11/1918 It’s important to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night, but if you’re waking up frequently, it means your sleep quality is suffering. If you’re someone who finds themselves tossing and turning, you might be wondering what it means when you wake up in the middle of night. […]

Unique Brain Pattern May Predict Schizophrenia Conversion (Medscape)

George W. Citroner, November 15, 2018 A unique brain marker on fMRI may be associated with an increased likelihood of developing schizophrenia later in life. The findings may facilitate much earlier diagnosis of the disorder. The study of more than 200 participants in China showed a threefold psychosis conversion rate for those who were deemed […]

Psychedelics Have Returned to the Research Mainstream (Health News Digest)

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Menlo Park, CA, November 8, 2018 – Most of us associate psychedelics with the 1960s, a time of great social and artistic change when hallucinogens like LSD, psilocybin, and others were promoted as a means of expanding consciousness. But before psychedelics were swept up by the counterculture, leading psychiatrists and researchers were studying – […]

What Does an ADHD Diagnosis Mean for Adults? (Third Age)

by Alex Dimitriu, MD, November 2018 Do you lose or quit jobs frequently because you just can’t focus or stay organized? Have relationship problems because you can’t complete tasks? Forget important things or easily become upset over minor things? It’s possible you have attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is surprisingly common in adults. Click HERE […]

What Does an ADHD Diagnosis Mean for Adults? (Health News Digest)

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Menlo Park, CA, October 24, 2018 – Do you lose or quit jobs frequently because you just can’t focus or stay organized? Have relationship problems because you can’t complete tasks? Forget important things or easily become upset over minor things? It’s possible you have attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is surprisingly common in adults, […]

6 strangely effective sleep tips you haven’t tried before (New York Post)

By Lauren Steussy, October 22, 2018 Experts share quick tips to help set you up to catch some primo z’s. Chill out A cold room — between 60 and 67 degrees — is best for sleep, says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep doctor based in California. When your body temperature drops, he says, […]

Prenatal Fluoride Exposure Linked to ADHD in Kids (Medscape)

George W. Citroner, October 18, 2018 Prenatal exposure to higher levels of fluoride not only impairs cognitive development but also significantly increases the incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, new research shows. Click HERE for the full article on Medscape.

Why Mental Exhaustion Is Physical Too (She Knows)

by Caitlin Flynn, Oct 17, 2018 After a rigorous workout at the gym or a long run, it isn’t surprising we feel physically spent. After all, a physical activity is bound to leave us exhausted. But experiencing physical exhaustion after a long day working hard at our desks can cause us to scratch our heads — […]

Read This If You Take Benadryl To Help You Sleep (Huffington Post)

Experts discuss whether it’s safe to rely on the allergy medicine. By Krissy Brady, 10/17/2018 Fewer things are more frustrating than an out-of-whack sleep cycle. When you’re tired by day and wired by night, it can get to the point where you’ll try just about anything to get a solid night’s sleep ― including taking Benadryl, […]

Are Sleep Issues and Depression Connected? Two Experts Weigh In (Share Care)

Oftentimes, it’s difficult to tell which one comes first. By Madeleine Burry, OCTOBER 12, 2018 Sleep is far more than a luxury, even if we treat it that way, skipping shuteye in favor of answering work emails, binging TV shows, or even waking up early for a workout session. Those nightly hours of rest and […]

‘This is Us’ Takes on Antidepressant Withdrawal. How Serious Is It? (Health Line)

Experts say people can face serious side effects if they abruptly stop taking their antidepressant medications. Written by Kimberly Holland on October 10, 2018 What happens if you suddenly stop taking your antidepressant medication? NBC’s hit television series “This Is Us” is tackling that issue and the serious side effects that go along with antidepressant withdrawal. Click […]

Sleep and Memory: How They Work Together (Health Digest News)

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Menlo Park, CA, October 9, 2018 – “Sleep on it.” We’ve long known that a good night’s sleep confers important benefits on mood, alertness, concentration, and judgment. Research over more than a century has also established that sleep plays an important role in memory retention. More recently, studies have begun to establish more precisely […]

7 Horrifying Side Effects of Sleep Deprivation (Men’s Health)

Remember when your Sim didn’t get enough sleep so he kept falling over? Yeah, it’s kind of like that. BY Kelsey Butler, SEP 25, 2018 Whether it’s due to your loud upstairs neighbors or your snoring bedmate, pretty much everyone has experienced at least a few nights of tossing and turning. Unfortunately, you may have inadvertently […]

‘Relationship ADHD’: Have We Lost the Instinct for Commitment? (Health News Digest)

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Menlo Park, CA, September 28, 2018 – Relationships have always been complicated. It takes time and effort to develop trust and intimacy and the deep love that sustains a couple over many years and through the rough patches. It takes sacrifice and compromise and putting another person’s wants and needs ahead of your […]

What Pulling an All-Nighter Does to Your Mind and Body (Vice)

Here’s the bare minimum amount of sleep you need before a big exam. By Nick Keppler, Sep 17 2018 You had a whole week to prepare for your Comparative Lit exam—but then, well, Assassin’s Creed happened. (Lots of Assassin’s Creed.) Now your only hope is the fallback option that college students have relied upon since […]

Is It Possible To Sleep Too Much? 6 Things That Happen When You Get Too Much Rest (Bustle)

By Carina Wolff, 9/13/18 We all know how important sleep is, so it would feel correct to assume that the more sleep you get, the better. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and this includes sleep. There are a number of surprising things that can happen when you sleep too […]

5 Fascinating Shower Tips For Anyone Who Has Trouble Sleeping

By CARINA WOLFF, 9/12/18 When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, you might be focusing more on your bedroom atmosphere or avoiding caffeine too late in the day. However, you also might want to start paying attention to your bathing habits, as there are a number of shower tips that can help you […]

9 Tips for Better Sleep (Alternative Medicine Magazine)

September 2018 The exciting research in sleep science nowadays comes from labs studying the effects of sleep on the brain and what happens when you deprive your brain of restorative sleep. New research suggests that sleeping less than seven to eight hours a night risks memory loss, cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s disease. If you regularly […]

How Sleep impacts Brain Health (Alternative Medicine Magazine)

September 2018 As important to your health as good nutrition and regular exercise, the consequences of missing sleep begin with diminished daytime function: mood, energy, concentration and reaction time. But, sleepless nights have implications well beyond making you sleepy the next day. Over the long term, it contributes to obesity and the risk of serious illness. Beyond […]

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity Tied to Lipid Levels (MD Alert, Reuters Health, MDLinx)

AUGUST 30, 2018, By Marilynn Larkin NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity is independently associated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels, researchers say. Dr. Ludger Grote of Sahlgrenska Academy in Gothenberg and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 8,592 patients in the European Sleep Apnea Database without physician-diagnosed hyperlipidemia or reported use […]

6 Mistakes You’re Making When Napping (Bustle)

By Carina Wolff, 8/29/18 Some people live for their daily naps. After all, they can be rejuvenating and the perfect break during an exhausting day. But if you’re just plopping on the couch and sleeping until you see fit, you may not be doing it right. There are a number of mistakes you can make […]

Sleep Issues: Restless Legs Syndrome and Your Sleep (Health News Digest)

Menlo Park, CA, August 23, 2018 – For millions of Americans, a good night’s sleep is an elusive goal. Insomniacs are plagued by a persistent combination of difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking and difficulty getting back to sleep, waking too early, and not feeling rested on waking. Chronic insomnia can have serious implications for quality […]

Am I Sleep-Deprived and Tired – or Depressed? (A List Nation Magazine)

August 2018 Click HERE for the full article on A List Nation Magazine.

Ways to Deal with Panic Attacks (Energy Times)

Fear, trembling, sweating, pounding head; racing heart: A panic attack may not kill you, but it certainly feels possible. Psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, has a simple recommendation: breathe. ““Physicians have long known that the relaxation, visualization—and breathing—techniques taught in yoga and used in meditation help many patients manage their anxiety, including panic disorder,” says Dimitriu, […]

This Is What It’s Like to Live With Agitated Depression (Vice)

Agitated depression—or “melancholia agitate”—has been described as a mixed state in which some symptoms of depression exist with those of other psychiatric ailments. By Nick Keppler, Aug 15 2018, 12:29pm For Steven, a “bender” began with a scenario like this: He would be watching a movie at his girlfriend’s apartment. Then the thought hit him: […]

11 Things You Should Know Before Going Off Anti-Anxiety Medication (Insider)

August 8, 2018 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by Insider for the article, “11 Things You Should Know Before Going Off Anti-Anxiety Medication.”

5 Health Benefits of Sleeping Naked (Shape)

Science says stripping down is good for more than your sex life. By Colleen Stinchcombe | Aug 06, 2018 All of us want a good night’s sleep. And while there are endless suggestions on how exactly to do that, it turns out there might be one simple solution: Stripping down. “There are many benefits to sleeping […]

When You Don’t Get Enough Sleep (Bustle)

By NATALIA LUSINSKI, August 2018 If you’ve ever had insomnia, you know how frustrating it is not being able to fall asleep. Plus, all the pressure — you need to be up soon for work and really want to sleep more than just a few hours. Aside from the exhaustion factor, there are many things that happen when […]

Why You Should Be Using a Sleep Mask Every Single Night (Shape)

These things are the secret to a better night’s sleep. By Colleen Stinchcombe | Aug 03, 2018 Pop quiz: What is a contributing factor in both car accidents and heart disease, causes innumerable injuries every year, plays a role in diabetes and depression, and can make you an unproductive grump at work? It’s a lack […]

How to Recognize the Lesser-Known Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs (Make It Better)

AUGUST 2, 2018, BY BRITTANY ANAS If you are suicidal or suspect someone else is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Or, visit online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org The all-too-frequent deaths by suicide of high-profile celebrities like designer Kate Spade and chef-turned-television personality Anthony Bourdain, as well as members of local communities across the […]

6 Fascinating Things That Happen To Your Body When You Sleep Naked (Bustle)

By CARINA WOLFF, 8/1/18 Some people love sleeping in the nude, but others can’t stand the idea of nixing their cozy pajamas. If you’re someone who lives for sleeping in your favorite flannel set, you might be wondering why on earth someone would want to get in bed unclothed. There are actually a number of fascinating things […]

Allergies Linked to Increased Risk of Psychiatric Disorders (Psychiatric News)

CAROL SORGEN, Published Online:31 Jul 2018 Allergic diseases can lead to a higher risk of psychiatric disorders such as hyperactivity and depression. Individuals with allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are at higher risk for developing psychiatric disorders, according to a study published last spring in Frontiers in Psychiatry. The study was led […]

Is It the Blues or Is It Clinical Depression? (ThirdAge)

by ALEX DIMITRIU, MD, July 26, 2018 We all feel down, or blue, or sad, at times. Sadness is a natural human emotion, usually triggered by a loss, disappointment, or major life change. This sadness is generally short-lived and dissipates over time as we adjust to a new situation. We often casually refer to this situational […]

Am I Sleep-Deprived and Tired – or Depressed? (Health News Digest)

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Menlo Park, CA, July 26, 2018 – Sleep-deprived? It’s common sense that being fatigued generally leaves us in a foul mood. But how can we tell when we’re sleep-deprived and merely tired – or if we’re actually depressed? Psychiatrist and sleep specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, […]

The Best Anxiety-Relief Products, According To Mental Health Experts (Today)

Feel more calm, happy and energized with these expert recommendations. by Jessica Migala / Jul.24.2018 / 6:01 PM ET / Updated Jul.25.2018 Everyone feels anxious from time to time. But when anxiety feels out of control or fills you up with persistent dread and worry — often for no discernible reason — it might be time […]

How To Respond To The “When Are You Having Kids” Question (HealthWay)

If you find yourself on the receiving end of the “So…when are you having kids?” question—or you’re guilty of asking—read this immediately. BY WENDY ROSE GOULD July 18, 2018 You’re sitting at dinner, just about to bite into that delicious macaroni salad, when your in-law casually throws out the old, “So…when are you two going to […]

Recognizing 4 Common Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder, And What To Do Next (HealthyWay)

When you’re unable to regulate your emotions, every relationship eventually explodes. Here’s how to recognize the signs of BPD. BY HEALTHYWAY STAFF WRITER, JULY 19, 2018 “I felt like he was going to leave me. I felt like everyone was going to leave me.” Ashley, 32, was in a new relationship with a man she really […]

How To Adjust Your Sleep Routine During The Summer Months (NBC Better)

Your diet, the temperature and a busy social calendar may be to blame for that afternoon slump. by Kelsey Butler / Jul.18.2018 Sleep is pretty much my favorite pastime. Over the years, even as other hobbies have come and gone — crocheting, piano playing and terrarium-making among them — snoozing has always been my preferred way to […]

7 Myths About Bipolar Disorder To Stop Believing (Bustle)

By CARINA WOLFF, 7/17/18 When people hear “bipolar disorder,” they might picture someone ecstatic one moment, and depressed another. Because mental health is so stigmatized and often poorly misunderstood, people tend to believe plenty of misconceptions, and there a number of myths about bipolar disorder floating around that just continue to get perpetuated. Because many people don’t […]

Are You Having a Panic Attack? (RadioMD)

Difficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, heart pounding, fear… sounds like you might be having a panic attack. Panic disorder has a genetic component, but panic attacks can occur for anyone. Stress precipitates panic attacks. Someone who is already stressed is prone to panic attacks. Many people suffer quietly. Panic attacks are short-lived and intense, lasting no […]

We Sleep-Train Babies — Why Not Sleep-Coach Adults? (SheKnows)

by Caitlin Flynn, Jul 15, 2018 It’s a sequence of events that’s all-too-familiar to so many: a night of tossing and turning followed by a day of throwing back coffee in a desperate effort to stay awake and alert. Cue the vicious cycle. One in 4 Americans develops acute insomnia each year according to a […]

7 Insomnia Cures That Sleep Experts Swear By (Bustle)

By CARINA WOLFF, 7/16/18 If you’re someone who has suffered from insomnia, you’ve likely tried everything under the sun to help yourself fall asleep at night. Counting sheep may not help, but there are a number of other different cures for insomnia that sleep specialists swear by that might be worth a shot. Sometimes, the answers to your […]

Common Mood Stabilizing Drug Can Increase Risk of Birth Defects (HealthLine)

Written by Ann Pietrangelo on July 2, 2018 Lithium in the first trimester of pregnancy can affect the health of an unborn child, but doctors say stopping this medication can also be risky. Babies of mothers who take lithium in the first trimester of pregnancy are at higher risk of major congenital malformations. But not […]

Is It the Blues or Is It Clinical Depression? (Health News Digest)

Menlo Park, CA, July 12, 2018 – We all feel down, or blue, or sad, at times. Sadness is a natural human emotion, usually triggered by a loss, disappointment, or major life change. According to psychiatrist Dr. Alex Dimitriu, this sadness is generally short-lived and dissipates over time as we adjust to a new situation. “We […]

10 Phrases You Should Never Say to Kids During a Divorce (Fatherly)

Divorce is a sad, difficult process for all involved — especially kids. It becomes even harder — and more damaging — when you say the wrong things. By Jeremy Brown, Jul 11 2018 We all say things we regret from time to time, but there is no more crucial time for parents to mind their […]

Is ‘Sleep Water’ the Trick to Getting Some Shut-Eye? (HealthLine)

Written by Jessica Peralta on July 10, 2018 Here’s what you need to know about this popular new sleep aid. Many of us have had at least one incident of lying in bed staring at the ceiling during the early morning hours, unable to fall asleep. In fact, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, […]

8 Sneaky Signs Your Stress Could Be Making You Sick (HealthiNation)

Sky-high stress levels can tax your body in a number of subtle ways.  JULY 9, 2018 | BY LAUREN SMITH You might treat stress as something you can just “muscle through” with a little grit and determination. When life feels overwhelming, you can’t say no, so you attempt to squeeze in your favorite gym class, […]

Better Sleep Can Prevent Cognitive Decline (ThirdAge)

by ALEX DIMITRIU, MD, July 2019 Sleep is as important to our health as good nutrition and regular exercise. Not getting enough sleep is detrimental to daytime functioning – to our mood, energy, concentration and reaction time – and over the long term, it contributes to obesity and the risk of serious illness. But sleepless nights […]

Suddenly Fearful and Don’t Know Why? Relax and Breathe (Health News Digest)

Menlo Park, CA, June 26, 2018 – Suddenly overcome by fear, trembling, sweating, head pounding; heart racing? Don’t panic!  Relax – and breathe. That’s the advice from psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD, who says a focus on slow, deep breathing can help patients get through a panic attack. His comments follow research reported in the April 2018 edition […]

Tips for Handling the Most Toxic People in Your Life (SheKnows)

by Elizabeth Yuko, Jun 25, 2018 When it comes to dealing with toxic relationships, the most obvious solution is to cut ties with the person. This is certainly easier said than done when it comes to friends, people you’ve dated or acquaintances, but what if cutting someone out completely is impossible? These are situations involving […]

Sleeping in on the Weekends Could Be Good for Your Life Expectancy (Brit + Co)

Natasha Lavender · Jun 23, 2018 If your weekday routine consists of dragging yourself out of bed after less than five hours of sleep, a recent study is giving you the go-ahead to turn off your alarm this weekend and sleep in. Conducted in Sweden with over 43,000 participants over 13 years, the study from […]

7 Surprising Effects Sleeping During The Day Has On Your Health Long-Term (Romper)

By Lauren Schumacker, June 18, 2018 You likely already know that getting plenty of sleep at night is in your best interest, but you might not have ever given much thought to the effects that sleeping during the day can have on you, particularly if you don’t typically need to spend much time sleeping during […]

Why We Need to Stop Demonizing Antidepressants (Psychology Today)

Suicide is a leading cause of death in U.S. One risk factor is stigma. By Allison Abrams, LCSW-R , Jun 08, 2018 A  leading cause of death in the United States, suicide has become a significant public health issue both here and worldwide. Mental illness is one of many risk factors in cases of suicide, the most common being depression. Unfortunately, only […]

Better Sleep Can Prevent Cognitive Decline (Health News Digest)

By Staff Editor, Jun 8, 2018 Sleep is as important to our health as good nutrition and regular exercise. Not getting enough sleep is detrimental to daytime functioning – to our mood, energy, concentration and reaction time – and over the long term, it contributes to obesity and the risk of serious illness. But according to […]

Lack of Sleep Impairs Brain, Promotes Disease (Westchester Wellness Magazine)

Psychiatrist and Sleep Expert Dr. Alex Dimitriu Offers Tips for Healthier ZZZZ’s June 2018 “To sleep, perchance to dream, ay, there’s the rub.” Unfortunately, the lament of Shakespeare’s Hamlet remains all too true for as many as 70 million Americans who experience some type of sleeping disorder, says noted psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, Alex […]

Are there antidepressants that don’t cause weight gain? (Metro US)

By Meagan Morris, May 31, 2018 New study links antidepressants and weight gain. Antidepressants might work to help ease the symptoms of depression, but a new study published in The BMJ found that one not-so-wanted side effect of antidepressants is weight gain. “Patients who were normal weight were more likely to transition to overweight, and overweight patients […]

Does Ambien Have Some Intense Side Effects? (SheKnows)

Does Ambien Have Some Intense Side Effects? by Elizabeth Yuko, May 30. 2018 Call it the Ambien alibi: After tweeting some extremely racist and offensive remarks about Valerie Jarrett, a former Obama White House aide, earlier this week, Roseanne Barr is now blaming her inexcusable comments on the common sleep aid Ambien. The now-deleted tweet read: “guys […]

7 Ways To Prevent Nightmares You May Not Know (Bustle)

By EVA TAYLOR GRANT, May 23/ 2018 You may say a movie will “give you nightmares,” and that’s fine. But until you’ve actually been woken up at night in a cold sweat more than a handful of times, you won’t know how stressful the threat of bad dreams actually is. Figuring out how to stop nightmares can […]

Sleep Issues: Lack of Sleep Impairs Brain, Promotes Disease (Health News Digest)

By Staff Editor, May 22, 2018 “To sleep, perchance to dream, ay, there’s the rub.” Unfortunately, the lament of Shakespeare’s Hamlet remains all too true for as many as 70 million Americans who experience some type of sleeping disorder, says noted psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, Alex Dimitriu, MD. “Getting a sufficient amount of sleep […]

A Good Night’s Sleep Could Ward Off Alzheimer’s

Fascinating recent study; points to a significant function of sleep – housekeeping – of sufficient intensity that it cannot be performed while we are awake. Apparently, the brain has it’s own lymph system – the glymphatic system, which is up to 10x more active during sleep, and readies things for the next day. Interesting to see which […]

Sleepwalking Through Life

I have often joked with my wife, that I have to keep quiet about what I do for a living at any gathering. Sleep and psychiatry, it turns out, are two things people really have on their minds; and in today’s fast times, everyone seems to be stressed by working too much, and sleeping too […]

“Psychobiotics” To Naturally Improve Stress And Memory

Again more evidence supporting the tremendous role of the gut biome in maintaing physical as well as mental health. “The emerging concept of the gut microbiome as a key regulator of brain and behavior represents a paradigm shift in neuroscience. Precise targeting of the microbiome-gut-brain axis with psychobiotics — live microorganisms with a potential mental health […]

45 Minutes To 2 Hours Of Morning Light For Weight Loss

Great article summing up two studies in the LA Times. In summary, morning sunlight, ranging in length from 45 minutes to 2 hours resulted in improved BMI (Body Mass Index measures), and reduced body fat composition. Among numerous variables investigated, the intensity and timing of morning sunlight were found to correlate most strongly with lower […]

Melatonin Agonist Substantially Lowers Delirium Risk

Published in the JAMA Psychiatry in Apr. 2014

Trans-Cranial Direct Current Stimulation (Tdcs) – The Future Of Cognitive Enhancement?

tDCS – Transcranial direct current stimulation; involves the application of a very mild current for 20 minutes to the frontal lobes of the brain, through electrodes placed on the skin. Much to my surprise, this extremely simple and non-invasive technique is proving to have lasting effects on learning and cognition – in some instances, lasting as […]

Sleep Cleans Up The Brain

Jan 11, 2014 — Dr. Alex Dimitrui, Founder of the Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine clinic, was interviewed by the New York Times for the article, “Sleep Cleans Up The Brain.”

Neurogenesis Stimulating Compounds – Major Depression Disorder

Published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in December 2012

Exercise Improves Memory And Increases Levels Of Bdnf (Brain Growth Hormone)

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2011 showed that we can actively modify the gene for the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with simple exercise. The investigators looked at 120 elderly nondemented individuals over a 1-year period who either stretched or did aerobics. They measured 3 variables: serum BDNF levels, memory […]

Insomnia: Definition, Prevalence, Etiology And Consequences

Published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine on Aug. 15, 2007

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