Why Perimenopause is Ruining Your Sleep (And How to Fix It)
Struggling to sleep through the night in perimenopause?
Many women do and it’s not just stress or lifestyle. In this episode of the All About You Podcast, Dr. Shauna Watts unpacks the hormonal reasons behind disrupted sleep and shares strategies that actually work.
Sleep disruption is one of the most common and overlooked symptoms of perimenopause. Dr. Watts, a GP specializing in perimenopause and menopause care, explains why poor sleep in midlife isn’t just “part of getting older.” It’s hormonal, biological, and absolutely treatable.
In this episode, listeners will learn:
— Why sleep deprivation in perimenopause is more serious than fatigue
— How changes in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol affect sleep
— The four major “sleep thieves” keeping women awake: early morning awakenings, night sweats, racing thoughts, and light or fragmented sleep
— Practical strategies to improve sleep, including temperature management, sleep routines, food choices, and cortisol regulation
— The truth about supplements, magnesium, melatonin, and the role of HRT in restoring restful sleep
— How addressing sleep first can improve mood, metabolism, and long-term health
— When to consider sleep studies or thyroid checks
For anyone waking at 2 a.m., sweating through the night, or getting up unrefreshed despite doing “all the right things,” this episode provides insights into what’s happening in the body and practical tools to reclaim restorative, rejuvenating sleep.
----------------------
Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/
Leave a Voice Note
Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com
----------------------
Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247
Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.
---------
Chapters
01:22 – Sleep deprivation: a hidden health crisis
03:10 – Sleep is not a lifestyle choice
04:03 – Deep sleep & brain health
05:17 – Hormones, hunger, and metabolism
07:32 – Hormonal triggers of sleep disruption
12:25 – Four major sleep thieves in perimenopause
15:36 – Practical strategies to improve sleep
18:17 – Food, magnesium, and melatonin tips
24:34 – How HRT can restore sleep
27:02 – Sleep apnea, thyroid, and additional considerations
28:34 – CBT for insomnia and final takeaways
Keywords
Perimenopause sleep
menopause sleep problems
hormonal sleep disruption
hot flashes at night
night sweats
sleep deprivation women
perimenopause fatigue
HRT sleep
progesterone sleep
cortisol sleep issues
midlife women sleep
perimenopause solutions
sleep tips menopause
magnesium sleep
melatonin perimenopause
