Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, Alex Dimitriu, M.D.

07/21/2025

Dr. Alex Dimitriu joins Lara Land on Beyond Trauma for a focused conversation about how trauma affects sleep—and what people can do to feel more rested. They cover topics like sleep timing, caffeine, medications, and how the nervous system responds to chronic stress.

Episode 85 links in first comment!

07/19/2025

You’ve likely experienced it - that foggy feeling where thoughts move like molasses, where simple decisions feel overwhelming. We often blame stress, lack of sleep, or too much coffee. But there’s a fascinating player in this mental clarity game that we’ve largely overlooked: your gut.

You’ve likely experienced it - that foggy feeling where thoughts move like molasses, where simple decisions feel overwhelming. We often blame stress, lack of sleep, or too much coffee. But there’s a fascinating player in this mental clarity game that we’ve largely overlooked: your gut.

07/18/2025

We all pretend to be asleep every once in a while, but there are more nuances to pretend sleeping than lying still and fake snoring.

Uh oh… is your parent or roommate headed in your direction? Pretending to be asleep can give you a way out of interacting with someone; plus, it even lets you eavesdrop on everything they're up to. We've put together plenty of simple tips...

06/20/2025

With conscious effort, you can remember more of your dreams and recall them in greater detail.

The best ways to always remember what you dreamed Theories abound as to why we dream, how we dream, and what meaning we can assign to our dreams. Many people believe that dreams can provide insights into our lives and feelings, but the...

06/07/2025

Dr. Alex tried drinking bone broth for a week—and the results were surprising. From better digestion to fewer cravings, the changes were real. 🥣 Would you try it too? Read here:
https://www.verywellmind.com/i-drank-bone-broth-for-a-week-11747547

Bone broth may have a number of health benefits, but could it potentially ward off brain fog. I tried it for a week to see. Learn how it went and whether it worked.

06/04/2025

Feeling wiped out no matter how much rest you get? Chronic Fatigue Syndrome might be the reason. This article breaks down subtle signs you shouldn't ignore. Dr. Alex recommends paying attention to your body's signals early.

Feeling foggy, achy and tired? Health experts share six sneaky signs of chronic fatigue syndrome you shouldn’t ignore.

06/04/2025

Is Adderall a solution for depression, or a risky shortcut? This article breaks down why doctors are cautious about prescribing it for anything other than ADHD. Dr. Alex weighs in on the potential risks and benefits.

Adderall is an ADHD medication that has been linked to depression. Some take Adderall for depression treatment; others feel more depressed after taking this drug.

05/25/2025

Hitting snooze might feel harmless, but it can mess with your brain’s ability to wake up properly. “Repeatedly hitting the snooze button can cause fragmented sleep,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu. “This can leave people feeling groggy and less alert.”
https://www.foxnews.com/health/most-americans-hit-snooze-button-every-morning-heres-why-could-bad-your-health

05/24/2025

Struggling to sleep because of ankylosing spondylitis pain? You’re not alone. Dr. Alex Dimitriu says poor sleep “can further lower the pain threshold.” Learn how to break the cycle of painsomnia and get better rest.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/ankylosing-spondylitis/what-to-do-about-painsomnia/

For people with chronic pain, the inability to fall or stay asleep is all too familiar. Here’s what you can do to fight painsomnia and get a good night’s sleep.

05/23/2025

Are Americans relying too heavily on SSRIs? Dr. Alex Dimitriu says, “It’s become easier to medicate away problems than address the root causes.” SSRIs help, but they’re not a fix-all.
https://www.mdlinx.com/article/are-americans-too-dependent-on-ssris/4YrKAus8fj4LoJiXyQIrpZ

05/23/2025

If you're staying to study for a test, remember that getting enough sleep is actually more beneficial to doing well on tests than cramming your head with facts until the wee hours of the morning.

If you're on the night shift or find yourself swamped with important tasks, you might need to stay up late to get your work done. Staying alert and diligent during the dark hours can be difficult, since it goes against your body's natural...

05/22/2025

"SSRIs became a quick fix, and research interest faded," says Dr. Alex Dimitriu. This article looks at how early enthusiasm overshadowed long-term study—and what that means now.
https://www.mdlinx.com/article/ssris-were-a-wonder-drug-then-the-research-stopped-heres-why/1Wk6ryEza1pvfqu1pn5EpE