Watch this: Ep. 593: Where we're living the Hypnagogic dream with The Sleep Doctor

29:58

The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Michael Breus, is back and we're ready to bombard him with our pressing questions about sleep apnea, lucid dreaming, snoring, sleep positions, sleep talking, morning breath, sleep aids, night terrors, bruxism, and more!

We kick off the discussion with the good doctor about the dangers of using a laptop or an iPad just before going to bed. Dr. Breus tells us those devices emit light similar to what you'd see on a computer or television screen, which can disrupt the body's ability to secrete melatonin, thus preventing a good night's sleep.

He goes on to explain that sleep isn't simply a light switch you can turn on and off when you lie down; it's important to establish a soothing environment to fall asleep, which means you need to turn off all your gadgets that give off a kaleidescope of irritating lights. But if you really, really hate paper, Dr. Breus recommends using a Kindle or a Sony Reader that won't strain your eyes as much as an Apple iPad.

We also ask Dr. Breus questions from our live chat room, including one from a listener who's worried about his girlfriend clenching her teeth at night, which leads to migraines and insomnia. Turns out there's a technical term for tooth grinding: bruxism is the caused by a number of things, but can include stress, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and of course sleep deprivation.

Dr. Breus suggests taking a warm bubble bath or a muscle relaxant just before going to bed, which should alleviate some of the discomfort caused by the grinding.

Speaking of nighttime sleep aids, we also get into a discussion with Dr. Breus about two possible ideas to help sleep come easier: the first is a rumor we heard that couples in a healthy relationship sleep better, although we think that might have more to do with a healthy pre-sleep relaxation ritual. The second is a query about the use of nighttime prescription sleeping pills like Ambien and Lunesta. Dr. Breus does advocate the temporary use of these aids, but there's a catch, and you'll have to listen to the show to find out what it is!

We've got so much more to get to, but I can't write them all out in the blog, so download and listen! Many thanks to Dr. Breus for joining us on today's show. We always learn so much from him and we hope he answered all your pressing questions.

If not, don't worry; this certainly won't be the last time he comes through. In fact, we already have his next appearance planned, and there's a surprise involved! In the meantime, check out today's episode--your sleep depends on it!

Extended interview with Dr. Michael Breus - Web exclusive!

Watch this: Web Exclusive: The 404 post-show with The Sleep Doctor

15:35