85 | Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sleep (But Were Too Tired to Ask) | Dr. Alex Dimitriu

In this enlightening episode of Beyond Trauma, Lara Land is joined by Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine, to explore the powerful intersection between trauma, mental health, and sleep. Together, they unpack how trauma disrupts our ability to rest and regulate, why sleep is often the first casualty in a dysregulated nervous system, and how healing the mind and body requires a truly integrated approach.

Whether you’re dealing with disrupted sleep, chronic fatigue, or just want to understand your brain and body better, this episode offers a powerful blend of science, psychology, and practical tools for getting truly restorative rest.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why wake-up time matters more than bedtime
• What to do when you wake up at 3 a.m. and can't fall back asleep
• How coffee timing and sleep pressure shape energy and rest
• The truth about sleep trackers—and when to ignore them
• How trauma and mental health disorders impact sleep quality
• When to consider medications or ketamine therapy
• Tips for building an effective nighttime and morning routine
• How visualization and meditation can support deeper rest

This episode is brought to you by:

Cozy Earth temperature-regulating sheets and pajamas that naturally wick away heat and moisture from your body. Use code LaraLand (40% OFF)

Moonbrew a natural sleep aid that uses magnesium and superfoods so you can wind down. Get 30% off your first order with code "LARA30".

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Dr. Dimitriu brings a deep respect for science and spirituality into his work. As a consultation psychiatrist, he specializes in the complex interplay between the mind and body. His workhas been nationally recognized by The New York Times, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Psychology Today, NBC News among other media. He also serves as a medical reviewer for Business Insider, the Sleep Foundation and as a contributing author to The Encyclopedia of Sleep Medicine. From Meditation to Medication, his goal is to share the knowledge and experience he has gained through his work. He aims to help people achieve peace, presence, and happiness by discovering the right combination of psychological and biological interventions tailored to their individual needs.

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Intro & Outro Music by Daniel Zaitchik