In this incredibly enlightening episode of our podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Dr. Audrey Wells, an exceptional expert in the field of sleep medicine. We dove deep into the complex world of sleep disorders, focusing particularly on insomnia and sleep apnea, and how profoundly they affect our overall health.
Dr. Wells has a fascinating journey into medicine; it wasn't your typical straight path to medical school right after undergrad. Her choice to pursue medicine stemmed from a deep-seated desire to contribute significantly to society and challenge herself. Her experiences at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, followed by medical training at prestigious institutions like the University of Michigan Medical School and Washington University, have profoundly shaped her expertise in sleep medicine.
During our conversation, we discussed the widespread nature of sleep disorders and the critical importance of understanding each patient's unique sleep experience. Dr. Wells emphasized how vital sleep quantity, quality, and timing are for optimal health. She also shed light on the cultural issue of sleep deprivation and our society's tendency to neglect sleep in the relentless pursuit of productivity.
We tackled the challenges of insomnia, discussing the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) as a primary treatment. Dr. Wells shared her approach to helping patients navigate their sleep issues, focusing on both the emotional and psychological aspects of sleep and the importance of addressing insomnia's root causes.
Our discussion also covered the use of melatonin and other over-the-counter sleep aids. Dr. Wells talked about the potential risks and stressed the importance of caution with supplementation. She provided valuable insights into prescribed sleep medications, their proper use, and the necessity of having an exit strategy to prevent long-term dependency.
A significant part of our chat was dedicated to discussing the impact of menopause on sleep. Dr. Wells shared her personal experiences with menopause and stressed the importance of treatment for symptoms like hot flashes that can disrupt sleep. We also explored the potential benefits of hormone therapy during menopause and emphasized the need for more conversations around women's health in the context of sleep medicine.
Finally, Dr. Wells gave us a sneak peek into her upcoming virtual summit, "Sleep Deep: New Approaches at Beating Sleep Apnea and Insomnia." This event promises to offer practical, actionable, and evidence-based strategies to improve sleep, featuring a variety of expert perspectives.
To sum up, this episode was a treasure trove of information about sleep disorders, the importance of personalized treatment, and the deep connection between sleep and overall well-being. Dr. Wells' expertise and personal insights made for an incredibly informative and engaging conversation that's sure to benefit anyone looking to enhance their sleep and, in turn, their health.
To get the free e-book "Better Sleep Sets The Stage For Better Blood Sugar & Better Weight" visit: https://drtalks.com/sleep-apnea-summit/better-sleep-sets-the-stage-for-better-blood-sugar-better-weight/?uid=662&oid=63&ref=3767
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To connect with Dr. Wells: https://www.supersleepmd.com/
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