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#171: Sleep in the Messy Middle of Midlife and Menopause with Dr Shelby Harris
Manage episode 519852681 series 2993078
Feel like your sleep has gone missing in midlife? Join me and my guest Dr Shelby Harris as we break down why sleep changes in perimenopause, how culture has overhyped “perfect sleep,” and the tools that actually help. Dr. Shelby Harris also explains CBTi in plain language so you can stop chasing hacks and start building steady, restful sleep. We talk about:
• The perfect storm of hormones, mood, and social load
• Why sleep hygiene helps but won’t cure insomnia
• Rethinking the “eight hours” rule and normal wakeups
• HRT benefits and limits for midlife sleep
• CBTi basics: wake time, stimulus control, time-in-bed tweaks
• Letting go of sleep anxiety
• Practical first steps and when to get help
Learn more about Dr Harris at: www. drshelbyharris .com
Follow her on Instagram: @ SleepDocShelby
Check out her books:
The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good Night’s Sleep Without Relying on Medication
The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage
Looking for better sleep solutions in the kitchen? My book, Eat to Thrive During Menopause, has an entire section on sleep - Order wherever books are sold or visit www.menopausenutritionist.ca/Book.
What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!
Hey dietitians and nutrition professionals! I've got something exciting coming in 2026. Get on the waiting list here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/fordietitians
📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now! Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.
Looking for more about midlife, menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links
Chapters
1. Welcome & Why Sleep Suddenly Shifts (00:00:00)
2. Meet Dr. Shelby Harris & Her Path (00:02:04)
3. The Perfect Storm: Hormones, Stress, Roles (00:05:16)
4. From Hype To Help: Sleep Talk Overload (00:08:00)
5. Myth 1: Sleep Hygiene Cures Insomnia (00:09:48)
6. Myth 2: Everyone Needs Eight Hours (00:12:10)
7. Book Break: Food, Soy, And Sleep Links (00:15:00)
8. Myth 3: HRT Fixes All Sleep Issues (00:16:20)
9. Night Wakings: Stay In Bed Or Get Up (00:18:59)
10. CBTI Explained: Behaviors And Beliefs (00:22:07)
11. Letting Go Of Sleep Anxiety (00:25:55)
12. Normal Wakeups And Sleep Cycles (00:27:49)
13. First Steps: Routines, Tools, And When To Get Help (00:29:43)
172 episodes
Manage episode 519852681 series 2993078
Feel like your sleep has gone missing in midlife? Join me and my guest Dr Shelby Harris as we break down why sleep changes in perimenopause, how culture has overhyped “perfect sleep,” and the tools that actually help. Dr. Shelby Harris also explains CBTi in plain language so you can stop chasing hacks and start building steady, restful sleep. We talk about:
• The perfect storm of hormones, mood, and social load
• Why sleep hygiene helps but won’t cure insomnia
• Rethinking the “eight hours” rule and normal wakeups
• HRT benefits and limits for midlife sleep
• CBTi basics: wake time, stimulus control, time-in-bed tweaks
• Letting go of sleep anxiety
• Practical first steps and when to get help
Learn more about Dr Harris at: www. drshelbyharris .com
Follow her on Instagram: @ SleepDocShelby
Check out her books:
The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good Night’s Sleep Without Relying on Medication
The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage
Looking for better sleep solutions in the kitchen? My book, Eat to Thrive During Menopause, has an entire section on sleep - Order wherever books are sold or visit www.menopausenutritionist.ca/Book.
What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!
Hey dietitians and nutrition professionals! I've got something exciting coming in 2026. Get on the waiting list here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/fordietitians
📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now! Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.
Looking for more about midlife, menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links
Chapters
1. Welcome & Why Sleep Suddenly Shifts (00:00:00)
2. Meet Dr. Shelby Harris & Her Path (00:02:04)
3. The Perfect Storm: Hormones, Stress, Roles (00:05:16)
4. From Hype To Help: Sleep Talk Overload (00:08:00)
5. Myth 1: Sleep Hygiene Cures Insomnia (00:09:48)
6. Myth 2: Everyone Needs Eight Hours (00:12:10)
7. Book Break: Food, Soy, And Sleep Links (00:15:00)
8. Myth 3: HRT Fixes All Sleep Issues (00:16:20)
9. Night Wakings: Stay In Bed Or Get Up (00:18:59)
10. CBTI Explained: Behaviors And Beliefs (00:22:07)
11. Letting Go Of Sleep Anxiety (00:25:55)
12. Normal Wakeups And Sleep Cycles (00:27:49)
13. First Steps: Routines, Tools, And When To Get Help (00:29:43)
172 episodes
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