Feeling exhausted despite going to bed on time? Noticing unexplained weight changes, anxiety, or that classic "midlife fog"? For many women in midlife, broken sleep often hides in plain sight, and the real culprit may be how we breathe at night. This episode sheds light on the overlooked connection between airway health, sleep quality, and the issues so many women face at this stage. Renowned airway-focused dentist Dr. Shereen Lim joins host Natalie Tysdal for a grounded, eye-opening conversation on sleep and breathing. Dr. Lim's perspective is especially relevant for women 40 and up — she explains why snoring, interrupted sleep, and fatigue aren't just annoyances, but signals of deeper, developmental factors. With clear stories and practical advice, Dr. Lim helps make sense of sleep studies, airway development, and what happens when the tongue, jaw, and nose don't support restorative sleep. If you've ever wondered why you wake up tired, or why CPAP might not be your only option, you'll find answers here. You'll learn: • Why sleep-breathing problems often go undiagnosed in women, and what can be done • How jaw and palate development in childhood impacts sleep, health, and even hormones years later • The signs like grinding, fatigue, and morning headaches,your body is using to flag poor sleep • The pros and cons of mouth taping, dental appliances, and how to find the best solution for your needs • How to talk with your dentist, sleep physician, or orthodontist to create a personalized path to better sleep • Why breathing through your nose (not your mouth) plays a key role in energy and vitality in midlife Too many women spend years blaming stress or hormones without realizing that restless sleep and airway health are often part of the picture. This conversation offers clarity, validation, and real options — so you can advocate for restorative sleep and daily energy that support your whole self. Episode Sponsor: Blue Sky CBD Better sleep is a recurring theme in this conversation — and it's something I've been working on personally. I've been using Blue Sky CBD Sleep Gels as part of my nighttime routine, and they've been a helpful addition. These gels combine CBD and CBN, a cannabinoid often used specifically to support sleep, to help the body settle into rest. There's no THC, nothing intoxicating, and the formula is lab-tested for quality. I've noticed my sleep feels more settled — and even my Oura sleep numbers have been trending in the right direction. Learn more and get a listener discount here: Blue Sky CBD Sleep Gels: http://bluesky-cbd.com/discount/natalie30 Links: Natalie's website: https://www.natalietysdal.com Guest website: https://drshereenlim.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntysdal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ntysdal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieTysdal New episodes drop every Monday — subscribe for weekly conversations that support women in midlife. DISCLAIMER: Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
