The Importance of Acceptance in Sleep

Anxiety is what throws your sleep off. You're activating all of those neurons to think or to have anxiety when in fact, what we really want you to do is relax and calm down. And like I say it to myself, like it happened to me last night. I fell asleep in like seven minutes because I wasn't putting pressure on myself to fall asleep. There are just times where you're not going to sleep very well; that's okay.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

Our guest, Dr. Michael J. Breus, is a clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience in the sleep field.

As a sleep expert, Dr. Breus advises women going through perimenopause and menopause to establish a regular, consistent sleep schedule to manage the hormonal shifts associated with these transitions. He also recommends deep breathing, hydration, and getting sunlight.

"While there is no guidebook for managing menopausal sleep issues, these strategies can help to mitigate some of the symptoms associated with this transition," he says.

Dr. Breus stresses the importance of maintaining consistent sleep routines and creating a comfortable sleep environment. He also recommends moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol consumption, and using technology such as temperature-regulating pads.

While discipline in sleep routine is crucial, he stresses the importance of acceptance and relaxation, rather than trying to think oneself to sleep or worrying about lack of sleep.

Links for this episode:

https://thesleepdoctor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thesleepdoctor/

https://twitter.com/thesleepdoctor/

https://www.instagram.com/thesleepdoctor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thesleepdoctor

Sleep and Savings: Want to grab my absolute fave supplement for better sleep at 15% off? Click here - https://glnk.io/lq6q/4 - to purchase Mellö Magnesium. My flavor of choice is Lavender Berry - Mellö Magnesium WORKS because it contains magnesium glycinate, which is the most bioavailable form of magnesium, as well as magnesium L-threonate. This is a magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier to help your mind and your brain essentially be lulled to sleep at night. Music to my ears. Get yours for 15% off today at this link - https://glnk.io/lq6q/4

Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate):

4:05 - How menopause/perimenopause affects your sleep

8:21 - Can you “catch up” on sleep?

12:00 - How sleep changes around your cycle

16:31 - Instituting the daily nap

24:09 - When to nap during your cycling

27:12 - When to exercise for the best sleep

31:28 - Alcohol, dehydration and sleep

34:51 - How to use acceptance as a sleep aid

39:29 - Why you got to the bathroom during the night

46:02 - Should you breathe through your nose or mouth?

52:42 - Are you a side, back, or belly sleeper?