Ep 124 - How to Fix Your Sleep Issues - From Medication to Mindfulness

Thank you to The Better Menopause for sponsoring this episode. 

Can’t fall asleep? Waking up in the middle of the night? Can cancer treatment-induced menopause cause you sleep issues? Do you have insomnia?

Dr. Zoe Schaedel, a sleep and menopause expert, discusses the impact of cancer and menopause on sleep and offers insights into managing sleep problems. 

Sleep disturbances are common among cancer survivors and menopausal women, with up to 70% experiencing sleep problems. While sleep hygiene practices can be helpful for improving sleep, they may not be enough to treat sleep disorders like insomnia. 

Dr. Schaedel highlights the importance of diagnosing insomnia and exploring psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI). She also discusses the role of medication, such as sedating antidepressants and newer treatments like Daridorexant, in managing sleep problems. Additionally, she addresses the impact of melatonin, magnesium, food, caffeine, alcohol, and other supplements on sleep.

You can see Dr Schaedel here in her menopause clinic https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/dr-zoe-schaedel or here in her sleep clinic https://goodsleep.clinic/ 

The resource Dr. Schaedel mentions is here: https://www.petermac.org/component/edocman/pm-0002-design-v22-web/viewdocument/562?Itemid=0

Here is the Sleepio resource https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/healthyminds/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/10/Sleepio-info-for-clients.pdf

 

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode, The Better Menopause. Their new Good Sleep multi-vitamin supplement isn’t just any multivitamin—it’s a thoughtfully crafted blend of Vitamin D, B12, Ashwagandha, and Magnesium, all designed to help you relax and unwind. Created by a company that truly cares about our community, this supplement is the perfect addition to your nightly routine. Go here for more info https://thebettermenopause.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:43 Insomnia diagnosis leads to evidence-based treatment.

15:40 Therapy for insomnia examines and challenges thoughts.

22:54 Short-term medication can help but isn't ideal.

24:24 New medication for chronic insomnia, less drowsiness.

30:04 Certain foods may potentially help improve sleep.

33:51 Potential vitamin deficiencies could impact health, including sleep.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Has cancer treatment led you to early menopause? Do you feel confused about your options? This podcast hosts conversations with cancer patients, survivors and medical professionals to learn about treatments available for women with a cancer diagnosis.

I’m Dani Binnington, after breast cancer, surgery to remove my ovaries led me to early menopause, I had no idea what my treatment options were and who in my medical team could help me figure out what to do about my symptoms. I felt alone and unsupported. It took me so long to discover I had lots of options too.

If only I’d known sooner!

Everything I wish I’d known back then is inside these conversations - so you can make the right choices now.

These episodes are a good place to start:

1. Rethinking Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors
2. Why I decided to take HRT after an oestrogen driven cancer
2. Alcohol & Me

Menopause and cancer is also a thriving community online and in real life.

Join the Facebook community to connect with women going through the same thing you are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

• No. of episodes: 160
• Latest episode: 2025-05-07
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