Aliquot #138: Why Sedation Isn't Sleep and What Actually Works
Aliquot #138: Why Sedation Isn't Sleep and What Actually Works
Many of the substances people use to relax, sleep, or stay alert quietly reshape the biology of sleep itself. From THC, CBD, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine to melatonin, magnesium, glycine, and calming botanicals, these compounds can either support restorative sleep or subtly hijack it, changing REM, deep sleep, and circadian timing in ways we often do not feel until the next day. In this aliquot, Dr. Michael Grandner and I explore how common substances affect sleep — and how adjusting timing, dose, or choosing better alternatives can improve your nightly recovery.
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Many of the substances people use to relax, sleep, or stay alert quietly reshape the biology of sleep itself. From THC, CBD, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine to melatonin, magnesium, glycine, and calming botanicals, these compounds can either support restorative sleep or subtly hijack it, changing REM, deep sleep, and circadian timing in ways we often do not feel until the next day. In this aliquot, Dr. Michael Grandner and I explore how common substances affect sleep — and how adjusting timing, dose, or choosing better alternatives can improve your nightly recovery.
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Is THC really helping you sleep?
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Why you get vivid dreams when you stop THC
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Can you count on CBD to help you sleep?
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Why alcohol ruins your sleep
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How late is too late for caffeine?
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Can you use nicotine for focus without getting addicted?
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Why melatonin is so widely used—and misunderstood
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Why your melatonin dose is probably higher than you think
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Is melatonin shutting down your natural production?
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Can supplements actually help you sleep?
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When your recovery supplements hurt your sleep
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Why your brain craves junk food after midnight
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