Unlocking the Science of Sleep in Perimenopause

Join Dr. Stephanie on a deep dive into the mechanisms of sleep, exploring the hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause, and her top strategies for sleep optimization.In this episode, you will learn how to refine your sleep routine with proven methods and practices, delve into the relationship between hormonal shifts and their impact on sleep, harness the power of hormone replacement therapy for better sleep, navigate the unique sleep-related issues experienced by women in perimenopause and menopause and unravel the complex connection between depression and sleep quality - PLUS learn how to improve both.Links for this episode:https://symphonynaturalhealth.....com/products/herbato Overview (timestamps are approximate):00:00:00 - Understanding Sleep Cycles, <br />Dr. Stephanie explains the two stages of sleep, non-REM and REM, and the four stages of non-REM sleep. <br /><br />00:09:11 - Impact of Poor Sleep on Health, <br />Dr. Stephanie talks about how poor sleep leads to chronic stress and inflammation, which affects the balance in the autonomic nervous system. <br /><br />00:14:22 - Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause and Menopause, <br />Dr. Stephanie discusses the hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels that affect sleep quality. <br /><br />00:22:02 - Strategies for Better Sleep, <br />Dr. Stephanie shares some practical tips for improving sleep, including establishing a regular sleep schedule, managing stress levels, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment. <br /><br />00:30:15 - Importance of Napping, <br />Dr. Stephanie explains the benefits of napping for overall health and how it can help in making up for lost sleep. She discusses the ideal nap duration<br /><br />00:15:00 - Understanding the Effects of Chronic Low-grade Inflammation on Energy Production, <br />Chronic low-grade inflammation can still produce energy, but it is less efficient, resulting in reduced ATP and glucose availability. <br /><br />00:19:12 - Melatonin and Its Applications in Sleep, <br />Melatonin is crucial in sleep onset and reducing sleep efficiency. <br /><br />00:25:21 - Melatonin Dosage and Quality Control, <br />Melatonin supplements vary in dosage and quality control, with some brands not accurately reflecting the dosage on the label. <br /><br />00:29:36 - Herbitonin as Alternative Melatonin Supplement, <br />Herbitonin is a slow-release capsule that closely mimics the amount of melatonin humans produce. It is an alternative to traditional melatonin supplements that often contain supra-physiological levels of melatonin. <br /><br />00:29:55 - Understanding Hormones and Sleep, <br />The importance of hormones in regulating sleep. <br /><br />00:31:56 - Women's Reproductive Hormones, <br />Dr. Stephanie explains how women's reproductive hormones are different from men's and the importance of the circadian production of hormones. <br /><br />00:33:29 - Progesterone and Sleep, <br />The episode delves into the role of progesterone in sleep, highlighting its hypnotic effect and respiratory stimulant properties.<br /><br />00:36:49 - Estrogen and Anxiety, <br />The relationship between estrogen and anxiety, pointing out that declining estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can lead to an increase in fear and anxiety at night. <br /><br />00:41:05 - Growth Hormone and Sleep, <br />The importance of growth hormone in regulating sleep and explains how growth hormone levels decline wit