Menopause has always been linked to sleep disruption, but the story has changed dramatically since we last covered it in episode 3. Hot flashes and night sweats still matter, but newer research is pushing us to think more broadly about brain temperature regulation, insomnia, mood, sleep apnea, cardiometabolic risk, and a new generation of nonhormonal medications that directly target vasomotor biology. In this episode we will:
- Revisit why menopause so often produces sleep-maintenance insomnia
- Explore the KNDy neuron/neurokinin pathway and why drugs like fezolinetant and elinzanetant matter
- Separate hot-flash awakenings from true insomnia disorder
- Discuss CBT-I, hormone therapy, and nonhormonal treatment options
- Explain why sleep apnea and cardiometabolic risk should not be overlooked in midlife women
To find out more about this week's podcast sponsor Moonbird, please use the following link: https://www.moonbird.life
Original intro music Vigilanteology by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)
Original outro music Vigilanteology (reprise) by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)
Produced by: Maeve Winter
Music by: Dr. Abhinav Singh (@sleep_vigilante), all rights reserved
More
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- Bluesky: @drchriswinter
- The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child
Thanks for listening and sleep well!
