Sleep

ENCORE: Melatonin—Not Just for Insomnia and Jet Lag, Part 1
January 7, 2025
Headlines are sounding alarms over the widespread use of melatonin—especially as a sleep aid for young kids. Dr. Deanna Minich has authored a comprehensive review of melatonin, in which she likens it to vitamin D in its potential utility for a variety of ailments—not just for insomnia and jet lag, but also for metabolic syndrome and diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, brain disorders, autoimmune conditions, eye problems, tinnitus, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, viral infections, and even ADHD and autism. Additionally, melatonin may confer anti-aging benefits. She affirms its overall safety, but cautions that some formulations are sketchy and may contain contaminants or vastly exceed or undershoot their claimed melatonin content. She discusses how modern life, with its ever-present artificial light, shift work, and travel across time zones may disrupt our circadian rhythms and put us in a state of darkness deprivation, with consequent melatonin depletion. For many conditions less is more, and use in children should be limited to special cases. Dr. Minich also emphasizes that lifestyle factors like properly timed light and darkness exposure, blue blocker glasses and screen apps, exercise and diet are cornerstones to optimal melatonin production, with melatonin supplements constituting only part of a holistic approach. Click HERE for part 2.

Neurotransmitter Support for Sleep and Emotional Wellness, Part 1
March 13, 2024
Mood disorders abound these days, making them among the most common reasons people seek medical help. Drugs can help sometimes, but many are wary of their side effects. However, there are effective natural therapies to support optimal mood, as well as optimal sleep. Neil Levin, Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance, reveals that supplementation with amino acids is a safe and affordable way to support optimal sleep quality and emotional wellness. He focuses on recognized amino acids and amino acid combinations that support a healthy response to temporary environmental psychological stress and sleep quality. Click HERE for part 2.

Neurotransmitter Support for Sleep and Emotional Wellness, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Neil Levin, Senior Nutrition Education Manager and a product formulator for NOW(r) Foods and Protocol for Life Balance. Click HERE for part 1.

ENCORE: How to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Part 1
November 21, 2023
Psychopharmacologist Dr. Timothy Jennings shares a broad array of strategies for averting mental decline in his book, "The Aging Brain." To what extent is dementia pre-ordained by our genes? Can we overcome our genetic predispositions? What roles for exercise, sleep, stress reduction? What evidence supports lifetime learning? What medications rob memory? What type of diet has been shown to stave off brain deterioration? Are there “brain foods”? What supplements have memory protective effects? Does hormone replacement help? Is there scientific evidence to support the benefits of spirituality? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: How to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Psychopharmacologist Dr. Timothy Jennings, "The Aging Brain." Click HERE for part 1.

Leyla Weighs In: How Sleep Affects Your Gut Health
August 25, 2023
Irregular sleep patterns associated with harmful gut bacteria. Plus a research update on intermittent fasting.

ENCORE: Intelligent Medicine Radio for August 12, Part 2: Improving Stroke Recovery
August 14, 2023
Is exercise more effective than drugs or talk therapy for depression and anxiety? Improving stroke recovery; Makers of sugary cereals threaten to sue Feds over loss of “healthy” food labeling. Prescription meds don’t cut it for long-term management of sleep problems; Why cars make drivers drowsy; “Catch-up sleep” on weekends is not the solution for workday sleep deficits; Vitamin D vs. dementia; Sketchy ties with Big Pharma prompt resignation of FDA official; Asthma rescue med shortage highlights U.S. drug supply chain problems. Click HERE for part 1. Click HERE for articles and resources relating to this podcast episode.

ENCORE: How Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy Can Support Your Innate Healing and Regenerative Capacities, Part 1
July 4, 2023
Today’s guest is integrative MD and magnetic therapy expert, Dr. William Pawluk, author of "Supercharge Your Health with PEMF Therapy: How Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy Can Jumpstart Your Health, Banish Pain, Improve Sleep, and Help Prevent and Relieve Over 80 Common Health Conditions." Dr. Pawluk has studied PEMF extensively and he describes its mode of action, supporting the body’s innate healing and regenerative capacities. Is PEMF safe? How does it differ from TENS or electrical stimulation? Can PEMF address psychiatric conditions and brain disorders? Why does it have such limited applications in conventional medicine, approved only for nonunion of fractures and wound healing? Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) used for treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders a form of PEMF? What’s the optimal frequency and duration of treatment? Do home devices really work? How do you determine what type of therapy is right for you? Click HERE for part 2.

ENCORE: How Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy Can Support Your Innate Healing and Regenerative Capacities, Part 2

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with integrative MD and magnetic therapy expert, Dr. William Pawluk, author of "Supercharge Your Health with PEMF Therapy: How Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy Can Jumpstart Your Health, Banish Pain, Improve Sleep, and Help Prevent and Relieve Over 80 Common Health Conditions." Click HERE for part 1.

Daily CBD for Sleep, Soreness and Stress Support, Part 1
April 25, 2023
Jesse Karagianes, Senior Vice President of CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil, details why hemp-derived CBD is at the forefront of the health and wellness industry. Daily CBD helps maintain a healthy balance to improve physical and mental well-being. In addition to delivering solutions for those struggling with sleeplessness, stress, and inflammation, it may also ease anxiety and help curb addiction. Hear about the viability, safety and efficacy of four distinct product lines with CBD products tailored to your specific needs. We also compare and contrast CBD with marijuana-derived THC and the distinguishing characteristics of each. Click HERE for part 2.