Wondering how different substances like alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and others impact your sleep quality? In this video, we dive into the effects of alcohol, marijuana, and stimulants like cocaine on your sleep cycles and overall rest. Learn how these substances affect your ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve deep, restorative sleep. If you're curious about how these drugs can disrupt your sleep patterns and what it means for your health, this video has all the answers.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more videos on sleep health and the science of sleep!

In this episode, Dr. Ruchir dives deep into the causes, effects, and solutions for snoring and sleep apnea. He explains how these common sleep disruptions impact not only our rest but our overall health. Dr. Ruchir breaks down the signs of sleep apnea, the risks associated with untreated cases, and when it’s time to seek help. Tune in to learn about effective treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and tips for a better night's sleep! Whether you or a loved one struggles with snoring, this episode has valuable insights to help everyone sleep soundly. Don't miss it!

Wondering how different substances like alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and others impact your sleep quality? In this video, we dive into the effects of alcohol, marijuana, and stimulants like cocaine on your sleep cycles and overall rest. Learn how these substances affect your ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve deep, restorative sleep. If you're curious about how these drugs can disrupt your sleep patterns and what it means for your health, this video has all the answers.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more videos on sleep health and the science of sleep!

In this episode, we sit down with renowned sleep specialist Dr. Ruchir P. Patel to discuss everything you need to know about insomnia including what is the definition of insomnia, etiologies, and potential ways to combat chronic insomnia. From insomnia to sleep apnea, Dr. Patel dives deep into the causes, symptoms, and treatments for sleep disorders that affect millions worldwide. Discover how poor sleep impacts your health, productivity, and overall well-being, and learn actionable tips to improve your sleep quality. Don't miss this expert insight on achieving better sleep and unlocking a healthier lifestyle.

Welcome to this episode of *The Real Sleep Doc*, hosted by Dr. Ruchir P. Patel, a renowned sleep medicine specialist with a deep focus on neuromodulation therapies for sleep apnea, insomnia, and mental health. In today's episode, aptly titled "Mental Health and Sleep," Dr. Patel delves into the intricate and bidirectional relationship between sleep quality and mental health. Highlighting the conundrum of whether sleep issues cause mood disorders or vice versa, Dr. Patel explores recent research and clinical studies that affirm how profoundly intertwined sleep and mental health are.

We'll discuss the impact of poor sleep on emotional responses, anxiety levels, and even long-term brain function. Dr. Patel shares insightful anecdotes from his TMS center, underscoring the practical effects of sleep deprivation on patients struggling with depression and anxiety. Plus, we'll look at the paradoxical effects of antidepressants on sleep quality and the implications this has on treatment efficacy.

Through extensive review of both personal clinical experience and groundbreaking studies, Dr. Patel makes a compelling case for the significant role that sleep plays in our overall mental well-being. So, if you're curious about how sleep affects your mood and mental health or are seeking practical advice to improve your sleep quality, stay tuned. This episode promises to be both enlightening and impactful.

This podcast is brought to you by Sip to Sleep — an all-natural, clinically proven sleep aid formulated by sleep physicians. Visit www.siptosleep.com for more information.

Welcome to another episode of "The Real Sleep Doc" podcast. Today, we're talking all things melatonin. I'm your host, Dr. Ruchir P. Patel, a sleep medicine specialist, and I’ve been getting a ton of questions about melatonin in my clinic and even in casual conversations. It seems to have become the go-to over-the-counter supplement for sleep, but is it really the benign 'vitamin' for sleep as many believe?

In this in-depth episode, we will explore the nature of melatonin as the 'hormone of darkness,' its function in our bodies beyond just promoting sleep, the right and wrong reasons to use it, and the myriad of misconceptions surrounding its use. From babies and breast milk to the effect of blue light on our circadian rhythms, we're delving into how melatonin works, how it can sometimes be misused, and some of the surprising benefits it may have beyond sleep. We will also address the potential dangers of self-prescribed doses, especially in children, and remind you of the importance of consulting with sleep specialists for sleep-related issues. So, if you've ever considered melatonin as a sleep aid or are just curious about its role and function, stay tuned to "The Real Sleep Doc." Let's get ready to demystify melatonin and better understand its place in our sleep and overall health.

Welcome to "The Real Sleep Doc" podcast! I'm your host, Ruchir Patel, and today we're diving into the world of sleep with my special guest and spouse, Rachel Patel. In this episode, titled "A Doctor’s Own CPAP Experience: Insights and Empathy from himself and his wife," we're unpacking our personal battles with sleep disorders and the journey we took to reclaiming our nights and, consequently, our days.

Rachel shares her struggle with periodic limb movement disorder and its surprising connection to iron deficiency, and we explore how a combined approach of iron supplementation and medication drastically improved her sleep quality. We'll also delve into my own experience with a travel CPAP machine, overcoming initial resistance and the lessons learned from a humbling honeymoon hiccup.

Together, we've triumphed over nighttime disruptions, from Rachel's involuntary bathroom breaks to my rhythmic twitching—each of us finding relief and transformation in unexpected ways. I’ll also reveal how my experience with various CPAP masks and a bout with TMJ pain led to an awakening about patient empathy—a real game-changer in how I approach my practice.

Join us as we discuss the profound impact quality sleep has on mental clarity, mood, physical well-being, and even our relationship. We'll touch on the importance of supporting partners through CPAP therapy adjustments, and I'll share my new, more aggressive strategy in managing leak for CPAP patients—a small tweak with huge benefits.

But it's not just about the snoring and gasping; it's about the caffeinated crutches we no longer lean on and the sharper, more efficient living we now enjoy. We're here to tell you why sleep quality should be the non-negotiable cornerstone of your health regime, and how making that a priority can lead to a life more vivacious and less caffeinated.

So, get comfy, close your eyes—well, maybe not just yet—and let's get ready to turn the page to a brighter, more rested chapter. This is "The Real Sleep Doc," where we believe every night is a chance to sleep better and live better. Let's embark on this restorative journey together.