“Sleep Divorce”: Why Sleeping Apart Might Save Your Relationship
The term “sleep divorce” tends to raise eyebrows, conjuring up images of couples growing apart. But let’s clear the air: this term is a misnomer. In reality, sleeping in separate bedrooms isn’t a sign of a failing relationship—it can actually strengthen your bond by prioritizing something vital for both partners: quality sleep.
Why is sleep so terrible during perimenopause (and what can we do about it)?
The most common demographic profile I see in my clinic is a woman in mid-life, between the ages of 35 and 50. Some of the reasons have to do with caregiving as a woman in the “sandwich generation” or anxiety and depression related to life stressors, but the most common throughline for these patients is perimenopause—the host of hormonal and other biological changes that happen to women for the ten or so years leading up to menopause. If you're in your 40’s (or even on the other side of menopause) and experiencing mysterious awakenings in the middle of the night, you're not alone—and you're not imagining things.
From Yawns to “Yes”: Tackling Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue
Daytime sleepiness is a common experience—we’ve all felt our eyelids droop during a long meeting or found ourselves fantasizing about a nap after lunch. But for millions of Americans, this isn’t just an occasional annoyance. It’s a chronic issue that disrupts productivity, sours moods, and impacts overall quality of life. What might be causing this problem, and more importantly, how can we overcome it?
The Truth About Sleep Debt
We tell ourselves we can "catch up" on sleep or power through another late night. But what if I told you that sleep doesn’t quite work like a bank account? You can’t stockpile it in advance or pay back the balance whenever you please. Instead, sleep debt operates on its own unique set of rules—and understanding these can make a big difference in your health.
Insomnia Medications Deep Dive (Part I): Know Your Pills
One of the first things most of my insomnia patients want to know is: Will I ever be able to sleep well without my sleep medications? Many are surprised to find that they can, despite having been on insomnia medications for years. So how can we safely and effectively navigate decision-making around sleep medications? We start by understanding what we’re taking. This is Part 1 of a deep dive on sleep medications, where we overview types of sleep medications and bust myths about how they work, so you can be informed when discussing options with your doctor.
To Nap or Not to Nap: The Science Behind the Perfect Power Nap
Napping has long been a subject of debate: is it an indulgent waste of time or the secret to unlocking peak performance? Winston Churchill swore by it, declaring that one “must sleep sometime between lunch and dinner." Science now backs this up, revealing that naps can significantly boost energy, sharpen focus, and improve emotion regulation—all without the jitters or dependency of caffeine. Let’s dive into the science and discover how a well-crafted nap might just be the ultimate secret to a well-lived day.
New Year, New Sleep Philosophy: A Resolution You’ll Actually Want to Keep
The most successful New Year’s resolution is one that feels good in the keeping. Because I’m a sleep clinician, people expect me to nag them about caffeine curfews and “no screens in bed” (and sometimes I do), but years of experience tell me that the true key to better sleep is to start with the right philosophy—nurture your relationship with sleep, and the details will fall into place. So, for 2025, let’s set aside the rules of sleep hygiene for now and focus on a new mindset: Embrace sleep as a friend instead of an engineering problem, and it will be fun to keep the sleep resolutions that matter.