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Sleep is one of the most essential components of our health, yet so many women struggle with getting quality rest—especially in midlife. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., MSH, RN, a sleep expert, researcher, and advocate for women’s health. Dr. Weiss brings over 15 years of experience as an Adult-Geriatric Nurse and is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the State University of New York in Buffalo.
She has been featured in Buzzfeed, Insider, EatingWell, Women’s Health and on the Well+Good podcast, and she’s here to help us uncover why so many women are struggling with sleep—and what we can do about it. From the impact of hormones and life changes to the lack of sleep resources in healthcare, this conversation is packed with must-know insights and practical solutions.
We dive into the findings of Aeroflow Sleep’s recent survey on women’s sleep health and what the results reveal about our well-being. Why do so many women feel exhausted even when they’re getting the recommended amount of sleep? Dr. Weiss helps us break down the most common sleep disorders affecting women in midlife and explains why more than half of women have never spoken to their doctor about sleep. If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, we talk about how you can start that conversation with your healthcare provider and what practical steps you can take to improve your sleep quality.
We also explore the strong connection between poor sleep and mental health, and why women are particularly vulnerable to this link. Hormonal shifts and life changes in midlife play a huge role in sleep disruptions, and we discuss why sleep resources and supplies are often underprovided by doctors—and how to advocate for better access. Dr. Weiss also sheds light on the use of CPAP machines and other sleep aids, explaining why they’re often underutilized by women and how they can be game-changers for those struggling with sleep apnea. Finally, we examine what changes need to happen in healthcare to bridge the gaps in women’s sleep health.
Don’t miss this essential conversation on sleep, health and self-care!
Show Notes
Instagram: @dr.weiss.sleepeducation
Website: carlearaweiss.com
Sleep Survey: aeroflowsleep.com/womens-sleep-health