Medical Series S1E4:Hot Flashes, Anxiety, Insomnia-The Menopause Sleep Crisis: Insights with Dr. Caitlin Chasser

Leave a review!Hot Flashes, Anxiety, Insomnia:The Menopause Sleep Crisis: Insights with Dr. Caitlin Chasser Narcolepsy Navigators launches its Medical Series on narcolepsy and overlooked comorbidities, with host Fred (undiagnosed sleep disorder), co-host Bernadette (narcolepsy type 1), and guest Dr. Caitlin Chasser, a family doctor specializing in sleep and menopause. Dr. Caitlin shares how her own insomnia and premature menopause led her to focus on sleep, emphasizing holistic tools (meditation, breath work, body scans), exercise (especially resistance training), and personalized sleep environments to reduce hyperarousal. She discusses common menopause-related sleep problems (poor sleep quality, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome linked to iron deficiency), the impact of alcohol, naps, and bedtime routines, and notes CBT-I as the gold-standard insomnia treatment. The episode also covers melatonin’s limited indications, hot flushes and temperature regulation, libido changes, and resources from The Sleep Project, plus podcast Patreon/merch announcements.About The Guest Dr Caitlin Chasser is a GP and Sleep Consultant with a special interest in women’s health, particularly how sleep is affected by menopause.She is a co-founder of The Sleep Project, a doctor-led organisation helping people of all ages improve their sleep through practical, science-backed programmes. Caitlin has over 20 years of experience supporting women to feel better, sleep better and take back control of their health.She specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the most effective treatment for long-term sleep difficulties, and takes a holistic, compassionate approach to sleep and wellbeing. Caitlin is passionate about making good sleep accessible to all — especially during life stages like menopause when sleep can often suffer. 00:00 Medical Series Kickoff01:18 Meet the Hosts and Guest02:43 Dr Caitlin Origin Story04:26 Holistic Sleep Foundations06:54 Exercise and Sleep Quality09:05 Menopause Sleep Changes10:28 Melatonin Myths and Uses14:54 Menopause Sleep Changes15:56 Menopause Insomnia Playbook21:28 Sleep Safety and Hyperarousal25:28 Wind Down and Mind Quieting27:49 Breathwork Sleep Hack28:45 Tools for 2AM Wakeups29:52 Sports Body Scan Story31:35 Military Body Scan Explained32:28 Menopause Sleep Disruptors34:24 Hot Flashes and Temperature36:52 Libido Sleep Connection38:32 Comfort and Hormone Options40:51 Menopause Surprise and Support44:25 CBTI Works and Next Steps46:58 Why the Sleep Project Started49:15 Wrap Up and Resources50:21 Patreon and Community OutroSupport the showSubscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:www.napsforlife.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigatorsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast ***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***