expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Liam Briones, MD

Sleep Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liam Briones practices Sleep Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Briones studies, diagnoses, and treats sleep disturbances and disorders due to varying factors. Sleep Medicine Physicians are trained to treat many different conditions, including insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, idiopathic hypersomnia, menstrual-related hypersomnia, and circadian rhythm disturbances, among others.
22 years Experience
Dr. Liam Briones, MD
  • Yuma, AZ
  • University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business
  • Accepting new patients

I have weird thoughts at night that prevent me from getting a good night's sleep. What should I do?

Talk to a mental health professional or counselor to start with.

What happens if a person with insomnia takes for 7 years every single night 20 sleeping pills with 25 gravol?

The patient will need eventually need a detox. The patient will have high risk of using other substances to sleep if tolerance has built. Also, it sounds that the cause of the READ MORE
The patient will need eventually need a detox. The patient will have high risk of using other substances to sleep if tolerance has built. Also, it sounds that the cause of the insomnia was never addressed... Is she/him still unable to sleep?

When is a person recommended to take sleeping tablets?

After a sleep disorder evaluation if the provider determines they are safe and needed, yes.

Is there a natural way to treat insomnia?

yes. the number one thing is sleep habits.

How can I manage sleep apnea for my mother who is 70 years old?

if she has sleep apnea, she needs cpap... sleeping pills will make it worse... is she okay with that?

Is there a connection between lack of sleep and constipation?

There have been studies that link lack of sleep from shift work and constipation that is probably due to no time to use the bathroom!. I wonder if in your case the constipation READ MORE
There have been studies that link lack of sleep from shift work and constipation that is probably due to no time to use the bathroom!. I wonder if in your case the constipation did not let you sleep... chicken or the egg?

I may have a serious sleeping disorder?

There is a condition called REM behavioral disorder that sounds much like your story. The diagnosis is with a sleep study. The causes are many.

Which is the better option to fix your sleep schedule?

Since you are 10 years old, you should try to stay on a day time rhythm so you can grow. Gradual is better since you are at risk of napping if you do not make it. The best is READ MORE
Since you are 10 years old, you should try to stay on a day time rhythm so you can grow. Gradual is better since you are at risk of napping if you do not make it. The best is not to change your schedule more than 2 hours during vacation, weekends or holidays.

Premature Ejaculation

PE has been associated with psychological issues and depression, so SSRI's and psychotherapy have been the main focus, however several studies show that many organic dysfunctions READ MORE
PE has been associated with psychological issues and depression, so SSRI's and psychotherapy have been the main focus, however several studies show that many organic dysfunctions can contribute to the development of PE. Hormonal imbalances, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, DM, metabolic syndrome are some of the one's reported to contribute to the risk. In terms of SSRi's and depression, my approach is to improve the serotonin naturaly by balancing all the neurotransmiters (Dr. Braverman's method) and I use serotonin such as aminoacid precursors and peptides to do so. I do not prescribe SSRI's without genetic testing due to the presence of a gene mutation that if present is associated with serious side effects or lack of efficacy.

Sleep issues

The amount of sleep a person requires is the amount of sleep that allows them to wake up refreshed. Having said that, it looks like you might be getting 5-6 hrs of sleep, which READ MORE
The amount of sleep a person requires is the amount of sleep that allows them to wake up refreshed. Having said that, it looks like you might be getting 5-6 hrs of sleep, which could be sufficient. Causes of early morning awakenings include problems like depression, environmental issues, bladder issues, etc.
I have been a short sleeper since I was a kid. I get so much done and feel refreshed during the day. Actually I can't wait for the day to start. I think it depends on your perception of the situation. But the best thing to do when you wake up and feel ready for action is to get up. Staying in bed awake would certainly frustrate me. Taking medication to make someone sleep when their body does not need it and feels refreshed after sleep is not something I would recommend. Best. :)

Sleep Medication

I am sorry you are going through this. Mirtazapine is an antidepresant. For what you are telling me you are not depressed, except for the statement that you suffer from "depression". READ MORE
I am sorry you are going through this. Mirtazapine is an antidepresant. For what you are telling me you are not depressed, except for the statement that you suffer from "depression". I use Dr. Amen's method of neuropsych evaluation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine evaluation of sleep complaints. I start with a comprehensive questionaire to investigate the root cause and then decide what pertinent tests I need. I consider the use of medications as a temporary measure while I investigate and work towards the goal of reversing the root cause of the complaints. I assess the patient as a whole. The functional medicine triads, the social environment, epigenetics, etc. Where are you located?

Sleep Issues

The second thing I do when someone tells me they can't sleep and they do not complain of being tired is to rule out sleep stage misperception. The sleep study will reveal that. READ MORE
The second thing I do when someone tells me they can't sleep and they do not complain of being tired is to rule out sleep stage misperception. The sleep study will reveal that. The first thing I do is get a sleep diary of at least a week with time and date of all activities and naps, time in bed, etc.

My BP medicine is causing me to sleep too much. What should I do?

What is the name of the medication, please?

Can inadequate sleep cause physical changes in the brain?

Yes. Lack of sleep can cause brain damage. Sleep is essential to brain recovery. The brain is like a battery that needs charging every night. The good news is that there are READ MORE
Yes. Lack of sleep can cause brain damage. Sleep is essential to brain recovery. The brain is like a battery that needs charging every night. The good news is that there are many new therapies and protocols that help the brain restore. The most important thing though, is to eliminate the root cause of the problem.

Sleep insomnia?

At your age it is common to have a delayed sleep onset and sleep cycle.... teens tend to be night owls... weed will lead to other problems.... or unmask problems...

Feeling really sick 24/7?

The clue that your symptoms started around puberty, suggest an hormonal issue.... a thorough evaluation would yield the cause of your ailments, under most circumstances.

How is sinusitis treated?

If the sinusitis is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics would be prescribed. There are other causes of sinusitis, however.