#208 - Menopause and Sleep Update: Outside This Woman's Work

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 womenTo find out more about this week's podcast sponsor Moonbird, please use the following link: https://www.moonbird.lifeOriginal intro music Vigilanteology by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026) Original outro music Vigilanteology (reprise) by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)Produced by: Maeve WinterMusic by: Dr. Abhinav Singh (@sleep_vigilante), all rights reservedMoreTwitter: @drchriswinterIG: @drchriwinterThreads: @drchriswinterBluesky: @drchriswinterThe Sleep Solution and The Rested ChildThanks for listening and sleep well!