In this episode, we speak with Dr. Suzanne Bertisch about sleeping pills. Dr. Bertisch is an Associate Physician and Clinical Director of Behavioral Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She has won several awards for her work in sleep medicine and has published on the use of pharmacologic and behavioral treatments of insomnia. 

This topic is deeply personal to me, having relied on various sleep aids throughout my adult life—a decision I now view as my greatest health regret. I am profoundly concerned about the consequences of long-term use of these medications.

Dr. Bertisch shares her expert perspective on the various classes of sleep medications (both over the counter and prescription), their effects on the brain, and offers practical advice for those considering or currently using these drugs, as well as strategies for safely reducing reliance on them.

Much of our discussion covers insights I wish I had before taking my first sleep aid–I hope that this can help others avoid the nightmare I have endured.

Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days

Guest: Dr. Suzanne Bertisch

Music: Patrick Lee

Producer: Patrick Godino