#171: Sleep in the Messy Middle of Midlife and Menopause with Dr Shelby Harris

The Midlife Feast

The Midlife Feast
#171: Sleep in the Messy Middle of Midlife and Menopause with Dr Shelby Harris
Nov 17, 2025 Season 6 Episode 171
Jenn Salib Huber RD ND

Feel like your sleep has gone missing in midlife? Join me and my guest Dr Shelby Harris as we break down why sleep changes in perimenopause, how culture has overhyped “perfect sleep,” and the tools that actually help. Dr. Shelby Harris also explains CBTi in plain language so you can stop chasing hacks and start building steady, restful sleep. We talk about:

• The perfect storm of hormones, mood, and social load
• Why sleep hygiene helps but won’t cure insomnia
• Rethinking the “eight hours” rule and normal wakeups
• HRT benefits and limits for midlife sleep
• CBTi basics: wake time, stimulus control, time-in-bed tweaks
• Letting go of sleep anxiety 
• Practical first steps and when to get help

Learn more about Dr Harris at: www. drshelbyharris .com

Follow her on Instagram: @ SleepDocShelby

Check out her books:

The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good Night’s Sleep Without Relying on Medication 

The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage 

Looking for better sleep solutions in the kitchen? My book, Eat to Thrive During Menopause, has an entire section on sleep - Order wherever books are sold or visit www.menopausenutritionist.ca/Book.

What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!

Hey dietitians and nutrition professionals! I've got something exciting coming in 2026. Get on the waiting list here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/fordietitians

📚 I wrote a book! Eat To Thrive During Menopause is out now! Order your copy today and start thriving in midlife.

Looking for more about midlife, menopause nutrition, and intuitive eating? Click here to grab one of my free guides and learn what I've got "on the menu" including my 1:1 and group programs. https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/links

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