Lying awake at 3 am and unable to get back to sleep? You’re not alone.
In this episode of "Your Brain, Your Health", hosts Dr. Eric Eustice and Dr. Daniel Ackerman are joined by St. Luke’s sleep medicine specialist Dr. Matthew Smith to discuss the causes of insomnia, its impact on overall health, and the treatments that can help people reclaim restful sleep.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What’s happening in the brain and body when insomnia develops
- Why stress, anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns can keep you awake
- The role of good sleep hygiene, including bedtime routines and habits that support healthy sleep
- Why a nightly alcoholic "nightcap" may actually disrupt sleep quality and contribute to nighttime awakenings
- Why over-the-counter sleep aids and supplements may not be the answer
- Evidence-based treatments that are considered the gold standard for insomnia
- When it’s time to seek professional help and what to expect from a sleep evaluation
- Practical strategies that can help improve sleep starting tonight
Whether you struggle to fall asleep, wake up in the middle of the night, or simply want to better understand sleep health, this episode offers expert insights and hope for better rest. Available on sluhn.org/neuro or click here to watch the full episode.
