Leave a review! Narcolepsy Navigators launches its Medical Series focused on the medical side of narcolepsy and common comorbidities. Host Fred (currently undiagnosed sleep disorder) and co-host Bernadette (narcolepsy type 1) interview Dr. Caitlin Chasser, a family doctor turned sleep and menopause specialist, who describes her own insomnia linked to premature menopause and the lack of sleep education in medical training. The discussion covers how menopause and perimenopause commonly disrupt sleep (estimated 60–80% experience sleep disturbance), and how sleep affects appetite, hormones, weight, repair, memory, mood, and daily functioning. Dr. Caitlin explains the role of stress and the sympathetic nervous system in blocking sleep, and emphasizes holistic and behavioral approaches including wind-down routines, meditation alternatives (coloring, knitting), breathwork, and body-scan techniques. She outlines practical sleep strategies for menopause-related insomnia: optimizing the sleep environment (darkness, quiet/white noise), regular exercise (with resistance training noted as beneficial with age), reducing alcohol, limiting naps (with a note that narcolepsy may require naps), and going to bed only when truly sleepy to build sleep pressure. Melatonin use is discussed as not a simple solution; it may help for jet lag, shift work, some children with ADHD/autism, and older adults, but should follow sleep basics and professional guidance, with caution about unregulated supplement dosing. Physical sleep disruptors are addressed, including hot flushes/night sweats, restless leg syndrome (often linked to iron deficiency from heavy periods), and obstructive sleep apnea (more common and underdiagnosed after menopause); she advises formal evaluation and targeted treatments, including iron supplementation when low. The episode also addresses libido changes during menopause, vaginal dryness and pain, topical estrogen or lubricants, the impact of poor sleep on desire and mood, and options such as HRT or testosterone therapy when appropriate, alongside emotional connection. Dr. Caitlin highlights cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) as the gold-standard treatment, describes hyperarousal and normal sleep cycles, and notes significant improvements can be achieved. She introduces The Sleep Project, a group of clinicians formed after COVID to address rising sleep problems, offering online resources, consultations, and CBTI programs at www.thesleepproject.life. The episode closes with Narcolepsy Navigators announcements about Patreon, merch, Discord access, a shout-out to first patron Jane Powell, and information about Naps for Life CIC, ways to donate, and how to share stories via narcolepsynavigators@gmail.com. Support the show Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences. Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators: www.napsforlife.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast ***If you find these symptoms relatable, please seek medical advice.***
