Series 5 Episode 2: Sleep and the Menopause - What Every Woman Should Know

Ruth Devlin
Nov 4
2 min read

Updated: Nov 24

Podcast: Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk

Guest: Dr Zoe Schaedel

Episode focus: Understanding Menopause Sleep Disruptions and Evidence-Based Ways to Sleep Better

Getting a good night’s sleep is something we all need to prioritise for our overall health and wellbeing, but especially when we're going through, what can be for many, a turbulent hormonal transition - the Menopause.

Why Does Menopause Affect Sleep?

You might be wondering:

• Can perimenopause cause insomnia?

• Do hormonal changes cause you to wake up at night?

• Can anxiety and mood swings contribute to poor sleep quality?

In our latest Menopause Matters, Lets Talk podcast, we explore the causes and practical solutions for sleep disturbances during menopause.

What Happens When You Sleep?

When we hit those zzz’s there's a lot going on...a multitude of restorative processes from tissue growth and repair to brain recovery & rest, memory consolidation, and emotional balance. Getting a good quality night's sleep can help with every aspect of health.

Your job? Give your body chance to get that restorative night’s sleep it needs.

Practical Tips to Sleep Better During Menopause

Whether you’re struggling to maintain consistent sleep patterns or simply want to improve your sleep quality, this episode is a must-listen. It’s incredibly interesting and informative with lots of practical tips & sleep hacks throughout. We cover whether magnesium or melatonin can help, and how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is proving to be one of the most effective long-term solutions.

The key as always - you have to put a bit of effort in yourself!

Understanding Sleep Cycles and Myths

We also discuss:

• The different stages of an average sleep cycle

• The do’s and don’ts of catnapping

• Common sleep myths

• What “social jetlag” really means and how do we avoid it

Understanding these basics will hopefully encourage many of you to start prioritising what some refer to as the elixir of life: a truly good night’s sleep.

Featuring Dr Zoe Schaedel – Menopause Specialist and Sleep specialist.

To help us discuss this important topic, we were delighted to be joined by Dr Zoe Schaedel, an experienced GP and registered Menopause Specialist who specialises in sleep medicine.

When we hit those zzzs there’s a lot going on - a multitude of restorative processes…tissue growth & repair, brain recovery & rest, memory consolidation…an endless list.