Tag: Videos

Sleep & Major Depressive Disorder: A Psychiatrist’s Clinical Insights

Dr. Bhopal interviews Dr. Amit Chopra, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, about the bidirectional relationship between major depressive disorder and sleep disorders.

Dr. Bhopal interviews Dr. Amit Chopra, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, about the bidirectional relationship between major depressive disorder and sleep disorders. Dr. Chopra explains that persistent insomnia increases future depression risk (about twofold overall and nearly fourfold in adolescents), and DSM-5 now treats insomnia as an independent disorder rather than “secondary.” They discuss other common comorbid sleep conditions in depression (obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders, hypersomnolence), consequences of missed diagnoses (recurrence, partial response, treatment resistance), shared neurobiology, and insomnia as an independent suicidality risk factor. The episode outlines a practical 10–15 minute sleep assessment, when to order sleep studies, and evidence-based treatments including CBT-I (techniques, delivery formats, digital options) and selective medication use when needed.

Does Clinical Hypnosis Work For Insomnia?

Does Clinical Hypnosis Work For Insomnia?

Join Dr. Nadia Sarwar, a double board-certified pediatrician and palliative care physician, as she demystifies clinical hypnosis and its applications in treating sleep disorders and anxiety. Learn about the neurobiological effects of hypnosis, evidence-based practices, and how to tailor hypnosis for individual patients. Dr. Sarwar shares her journey into clinical hypnosis, its benefits, and practical steps for clinicians interested in integrating hypnosis into their practice. Perfect for healthcare professionals looking to expand their therapeutic toolkit.

Melatonin’s Hidden Role in Menopause

Melatonin's Hidden Role in Menopause

In this episode, Dr. Nishi Bhopal MD, a sleep physician and psychiatrist, shares valuable insights on using melatonin to manage sleep disorders in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Dr. Bhopal discusses how melatonin can help reset circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality, offering evidence-based dosages and tips for clinical practice. She emphasizes the importance of combining melatonin supplementation with behavioral and environmental adjustments and warns against the potential side effects of high dosages. Tune in for a detailed guide on effectively integrating melatonin into treatment plans for midlife women, along with information about an upcoming masterclass for deeper learning.

In 8 minutes I’ll teach you to prescribe melatonin the right way

In 8 minutes I’ll teach you to prescribe melatonin the right way

In this episode, Dr. Nishi Bhopal, a sleep physician and psychiatrist, dives deep into why melatonin often fails for patients and how to correct its use for optimal benefits. Learn the biological role of melatonin as a chronobiotic, not a sedative, and discover practical strategies for treating conditions like delayed sleep phase disorder and advanced sleep phase disorder. Dr. Nishi Bhopal walks through two compelling cases, highlighting the importance of timing, dosage, and formulation. Get insights on how to use melatonin effectively and explore other critical sleep-promoting behaviors. Join our masterclass for a deeper dive into evidence-based sleep supplements.

Melatonin Safety Guide: Should You Take It?

Melatonin Safety Guide: Should You Take It?

In this episode, Dr. Nishi Bhopal MD addresses recent headlines surrounding melatonin mislabeling and safety. She dives into the accurate use of melatonin, its role as a chronobiotic, and the importance of precise dosing, especially in clinical settings. Learn about melatonin’s applications for various conditions such as circadian rhythm disorders and pediatric neurological conditions, and explore the latest research on its long-term safety. Dr. Bhopal also shares insights from her clinical practice, discusses the variability in melatonin supplement labeling, and offers guidance on selecting high-quality, third-party tested brands. Subscribe for more practical clinical sleep medicine insights.