In this episode, Dr. Nishi Bhopal, a physician board certified in sleep medicine and integrative psychiatry, discusses why she does not recommend medications for chronic insomnia. She explains the concept of hyperarousal, which is a common cause of chronic insomnia, and highlights the shortcomings and potential negative impacts of using sleeping pills, including dependency and reduced glymphatic clearance. Dr. Bhopal advocates for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) as the first-line treatment, supported by practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. Download her free melatonin brand guide at intrabalance.com/melatonin.
Have a patient who needs more than education? My clinical practice, Pacific Integrative Psychiatry, accepts referrals for insomnia and mental health care in California.
Referring a patient for the sleep programme? Effortless Sleep for clinicians has the referral details.
Not a clinician? The Effortless Sleep Program™ is the patient version of this work, available online, nationwide.
