Are you waking up at 3 a.m. and can’t fall back asleep? Tossing, turning, and wondering if it’s your hormones or just aging? In this essential episode of Women Mastering Midlife, host Victoria Byrd talks with Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, internist, and Menopause Society-certified practitioner, about the unique sleep struggles women face in perimenopause and menopause and how to actually fix them.
Dr. Matsumura breaks down the misunderstood relationship between estrogen, progesterone, and melatonin, and shares why women are vastly underdiagnosed when it comes to sleep apnea. She introduces her D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method, a holistic framework to uncover root causes of sleep disruption in women, including hormonal shifts, anxiety, nighttime routines, and undetected sleep disorders.
We dive into:
• Why estrogen is essential for temperature regulation and sleep quality
• The truth about melatonin (and why it’s not just for jet lag)
• How to take melatonin for best results, especially in midlife
• Why women are misdiagnosed or ignored when it comes to sleep apnea
• Sleep apnea without snoring- what you need to know
• How to advocate for better care if you're told to “just take a sleeping pill”
• Prescription sleep aids vs. root cause solutions
• The D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method™ explained
• Why wearable sleep trackers can reveal helpful patterns even if they’re not diagnostic
• What sleeping like a goddess actually looks like
Dr. Matsumura and Victoria discuss why midlife sleep issues are not just normal aging—and why high-quality sleep is foundational for your health span, not just your lifespan.
🔗 Resources & Connect with Dr. Matsumura:
Website: https://www.sleepgoddessmd.com
Instagram: @sleepgoddessmd
Take the Sleep Goddess Quiz to find your archetype
Interested in Dr. Matsumura’s patient offerings or consulting? Visit her site for more.
Want more support for your midlife transition? Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community or schedule a 1:1 Clarity Session with Victoria at www.msvictoriabyrd.com
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Disclaimer
This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.
Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. *Women Mastering Midlife* is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.
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