Lizzie Benge, MD
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lizziebenge.bsky.social
Lizzie Benge, MD
@lizziebenge.bsky.social
Sleep Medicine Physician | Harvard Med Faculty 💙 #MedSky

In my clinic, I’m seeing a rise in new insomnia cases—and worsening sleep in those with chronic insomnia

It’s not just poor habits. Doomscrolling has become a silent disruptor, fueled by economic stress and job insecurity

Let’s break down the science behind setting a digital curfew 🧠💤

🧵👇 #MedSky
April 8, 2025 at 2:13 PM
🧵Mind-Body Practices for Sleep During Economic Stress (1/8)

Tough economic times don’t just hit wallets—they hit sleep, too.

Patients lose rest. Physicians burn out.

But there's hope. Mind-body strategies can restore rest and improve well-being. Here's how👇
April 7, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Spring is here! 🌸 And with longer days + later sunsets, your sleep might be feeling the shift 🌞😴

To help you make the most of the season and protect your rest:

✔️ Dim lights ~2 hrs before bed
✔️ Keep a consistent wake-up time
April 2, 2025 at 3:53 PM
If you or your patients are dealing with restless legs syndrome (RLS), don’t forget the metabolic work-up! Iron studies (including ferritin) are key, but don’t stop there—vitamin D, TSH, folate, and B12 all deserve a look.
Sometimes the fix starts with a lab draw 💙 #Medsky #sleepmedicine #RLS
April 1, 2025 at 2:45 PM
It’s Sept 2020. Your attending is rounding on ICU overflow patients… at the tennis courts. Your senior is explaining convalescent plasma via a Haitian Creole interpreter. The ICU rejects your DKA admit because ‘the bicarb isn’t that bad.’ Your EMR searches for “Atlantis insulin” are futile
March 17, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Sonata (zaleplon) for early AM awakenings? ⏳💤

Its rapid onset & short half-life make it a potential option for middle-of-the-night insomnia. But before prescribing—screen for OSA!
March 12, 2025 at 2:27 PM
One positive thing about this year? I've had an exceptionally good reading streak! 📚✨ To celebrate hitting 20 books in 2025, my favorite discovery so far is Daughter of the Empire by Janny Wurts & Raymond E. Feist
March 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM
This Sunday, we lose an hour of sleep as clocks spring forward!

Stick to your sleep schedule, limit evening screens, & get morning light to adjust faster 🌞😴 #Medsky
March 7, 2025 at 4:59 PM
A morning filled with heartbreaking stories 💔

🔹 Patients losing jobs
🔹 Medication costs forcing impossible choices
🔹 An 83-year-old back to work just to afford rent

These tragedies are unfolding daily. Patients left choosing between survival and dignity with no end in sight #MedSky
March 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM
February 2021. A heart transplant patient comes into the ED with COVID.

After months of watching people slowly die on ventilators, I knew what came next.

I braced myself for another tragic ICU admission.

But when I saw them in the ED...
March 3, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Reposted by Lizzie Benge, MD
Nothing like asking HCWs to navigate an intentional, vaccine-preventable pandemic after the last few years. 🙄
February 28, 2025 at 11:34 PM
🧵 Caffeine & Sleep: What You Need to Know ☕😴
A short thread on how caffeine affects sleep, backed by science #MedSky
February 26, 2025 at 6:40 PM
✨ Celebrating ✨ our 43°F temperatures in Boston today! ☀️❄️
February 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
In sleep clinic, I get asked about melatonin more than any other supplement. 💊 Here is some helpful information to guide use:
February 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
To every PCP out there—THANK YOU 💙

As a specialist, I see firsthand how much your work impacts lives. And trust me—patients tell me all the time how deeply they appreciate you

You are truly the backbone of healthcare 🙌

#MedSky
February 21, 2025 at 9:29 PM
❄️ As temperatures drop, both physicians & patients should be aware of how cold weather affects sleep!
February 19, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Has anyone incorporated GeneSight or other pharmacogenomics* into their practice? 🧬📷 It’s starting to become more common in our hospital system; the impact on patient outcomes remains to be seen Would love to hear from others—how has it influenced your prescribing? #MedX #Pharmsky
February 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Our puppy Cannoli has not been enjoying all the time indoors with the recent snow. We have, however, been enjoying the extra sunlight in the evenings! A good reminder that even on cold, snowy weekends, spring is on the way ☀️❄️🐶
February 17, 2025 at 4:42 PM
This week, I had a few early morning awakenings—an unusual chance to test the advice I often give to those with sleep maintenance insomnia.

I tried:
✅ Getting out of bed (stimulus control)
✅ Relaxation techniques
✅ Sleep deprivation

I found sleep deprivation to be the most effective!
February 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Lizzie Benge, MD
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Ferritin reference ranges are garbage,
And sex based hemoglobin ones are too.
February 13, 2025 at 2:44 PM
🚶‍♂️Afternoon energy slump? A short walk or some light stretching can help boost circulation, oxygen, and alertness. If you can, step outside—sunlight ☀️ supports your circadian rhythm and alertness levels

More tips (including mine!) here: www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/st...

#SleepMedicine #MedSky
Stay hydrated, chew gum, listen to music and more tips to avoid the afternoon slump
If you're dragging after lunch due to the afternoon slump, try these tips to perk up.
www.yahoo.com
February 12, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Was sorry to receive the email yesterday about the upcoming layoffs at MGB. Thinking of all my colleagues affected during this challenging time. Medicine is hard enough—supporting each other is more important than ever #MedSky
February 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Excited to share my insights on tackling winter insomnia in Bustle! ❄️😴 Shorter days can disrupt sleep, but there are ways to rest better #SleepHealth #MedSky

Check out the full article here:
Can't Sleep? You Might Have "Winter Insomnia"
Experts recommend seven ways to combat "winter insomnia" and finally get deep, refreshing sleep.
www.bustle.com
February 10, 2025 at 4:08 PM
1/5 Congrats to the Eagles—Super Bowl LIX CHAMPS! 🦅🏆🎉

As we celebrate this incredible win, let’s take a moment to talk about an underrated key to peak performance… sleep!! 🛌💪

Because even the best athletes need quality rest to play at their best. Let’s dive in! 🏈👇
February 10, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Reposted by Lizzie Benge, MD
That Pfizer commercial with a kid who had cancer has me 😭
February 9, 2025 at 11:52 PM