Hormones, Metabolism & You!

47: Is Your Lack of Sleep Making You Fat? with Dr. Audrey Wells

Feb 23, 2025

Dr. Audrey Wells, a triple board-certified physician and sleep medicine expert, sheds light on the critical link between sleep and mental health. She reveals that around 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, which can intensify anxiety and depression. The conversation covers practical sleep tips, the unique challenges women face, and the limitations of sleep tracking devices. Dr. Wells emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality sleep for overall health, especially for those in high-pressure jobs and midlife.

54:03

Episode guests

Audrey Wells

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Quick takeaways

Sleep disturbances affect mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for better sleep to improve overall well-being.

Hormonal changes in women can disrupt sleep quality, necessitating a tailored approach for diagnosing and treating their unique sleep issues.

Deep dives

The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health

Sleep disorders are a significant concern for many Americans, with an estimated 50 to 70 million struggling with sleep issues daily. These problems are closely linked to mental health, as every mental health disorder is affected by sleep disturbances. Anxiety and depression, the most prevalent disorders, impact a large portion of the population, with roughly 18% experiencing anxiety and 21% dealing with depression. Consequently, improving sleep quality is essential for those facing these challenges, as insufficient sleep can worsen symptoms and impair cognitive functions.

Intro

6min

The Sleep-Mental Health Connection

20min

Understanding Heart Rate Variability

4min

Understanding 3 AM Awakenings: Hormonal and Psychological Insights

5min

Unlocking Sleep's Secrets

13min

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Sleep in Health and Career

3min

The Impact of Sleep on Health and Wellbeing

4min

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TL;DR: In this episode of "Hormones, Metabolism, and You," Dr. Cassie Smith, who specializes in functional medicine and endocrinology, teams up with Dr. Audrey Wells, an expert in sleep medicine, to delve into how sleep significantly influences mental health. They talk about how common sleep disorders are in the U.S., affecting between 50 to 70 million people, and how these disorders can contribute to anxiety and depression. The episode also touches on how much sleep we really need, the limitations of using sleep tracking devices, and the particular sleep issues that women often face. Dr. Wells stresses the importance of maintaining good sleep habits and shares practical tips for getting better sleep. She also points out the necessity of taking a comprehensive approach when diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

About Dr. Audrey Wells:

Audrey Wells, MD attended University of Michigan Medical School and went on to train at Washington University School of Medicine in pediatrics and pediatric pulmonary medicine. It was during this time that she developed a specific interest in adult and pediatric sleep medicine. She returned to her home state of New Mexico to complete a sleep medicine fellowship. As Chief Medical Officer, she led the development of OmniSleep Medicine Centers to become a comprehensive sleep clinic for both adults and children from 2010 to 2018.

She then relocated to St. Paul Minnesota and worked for University of Minnesota Physicians. She completed an Obesity Medicine Fellowship at Columbia University and now holds three board certifications in pediatrics, sleep medicine, and obesity medicine. In 2021 she founded Super Sleep MD, an online platform for education, support, and group coaching experiences specifically for people struggling with obstructive sleep apnea treatments. She helps people with sleep apnea get fully treated without sacrificing comfort. Through Super Sleep MD, she offers a comprehensive library of self-directed courses, a group coaching program, and a private Facebook community. Dr. Wells also has an individual consultation program for physicians who want to optimize their sleep to improve performance, vitality, and well-being.

Show Highlights:

(00:00:06) Dr. Cassie Smith introduces the podcast and highlights the significance of sleep disorders affecting many Americans.
(00:01:20) How sleep issues relate to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
(00:02:09) Understanding how much sleep individuals need, varying by sex and personal circumstances.
(00:03:10) Symptoms and signs indicating potential sleep problems, including feedback from sleep partners.
(00:07:31) Discussion of how sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
(00:18:36) Impact of hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause on sleep quality.
(30:04) Exploration of how alcohol consumption negatively impacts sleep and heart rate variability.
(32:44) Strategies to improve sleep quality, including managing negative thoughts and creating a calming environment.
(40:43) Connection between sleep deprivation and emotional dysregulation, emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep for mental health.
(00:49:10) How sleep deprivation affects healthcare professionals' performance and well-being.