Why Women Are Being Lied to About Sleep with Dr. Carleara Weiss Artwork

The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Welcome to The Menopause Disruptor Podcast, I’m your host, Mary Lee, a compassionate Menopause Doula and Licensed Menopause Champion in partnership with The Menopause Expert Group.

My mission is to challenge outdated narratives around menopause. The menopausal transition is a natural phase of life that deserves to be embraced, not stigmatized.

Reflecting on my own encounters with the lack gap in female hormonal health and leaning in on my experience in science communication and public relations practitioner, I decided the time is now to rewrite the script and bring truth and reliable resources to the forefront.

In each episode, I tackle taboo topics and disrupt the status quo on how we think, act, and treat menopause - peri to post. Join me in these informative conversations, either alone or with credible guest experts, as I dive into real, raw, and relatable discussions surrounding the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of aging.

It’s time to reclaim our voices and advocate for our health with confidence.
Midlife should be the best life, and it will be!

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The Menopause Disruptor Podcast

Why Women Are Being Lied to About Sleep with Dr. Carleara Weiss

February 13, 2026 • Mary Lee • Season 3 • Episode 102

0:00 | 1:04:37

Today, we delve into the critical topic of sleep during perimenopause and menopause with Dr. Carleara Weiss, a renowned sleep scientist and advisor for Aeroflow Sleep.

Dr. Weiss, who hold a PhD and Master's of Science and Nursing, and a nationally recognized sleep scientist, discusses the significant impact of hormonal changes on women’s sleep patterns. She emphasises how sleep apnea, often underdiagnosed in women, affects overall health, including increasing risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia.

Dr. Weiss also provides actionable advice and practical sleep and lifestyle strategies, highlighting the importance of understanding circadian rhythms, and how women can advocate for their own health. The episode also explores the crucial need for medical professionals to listen to women's sleep concerns to understand the bigger, underlying health issues picture.

00:00 Intro

04:02 Dr. Weiss's Journey into Sleep Science

06:31 Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms

11:07 Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

15:42 Lifestyle Adjustments for Better Sleep

18:27 The Role of Sleep in Overall Health

28:58 Tracking Symptoms and Seeking Proper Care

34:28 Understanding Sleep Stages and Cognitive Function

34:57 Impact of Menopause on Sleep

35:16 Hormonal Changes and Sleep Fragmentation

36:28 Treatment Options for Menopausal Sleep Issues

37:58 Quality vs. Quantity of Sleep

39:23 Blue Light and Melat

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Join the Menopause Café, a virtual gathering to explore menopause symptoms through the energetic body. Each month we journey through on of the seven chakra exploring how they link to the endocrine system, how to unblock these centres, and how to restore balance and alignment. Begins April 12, continuing first Sunday each month, thereafter. Reg

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Meet the host, Mary, a Licensed Menopause Champion, certified Menopause Doula, and Women’s Coaching Specialist supporting women - peri to post.

Mary is also a corporate educator, helping forward-thinking organizations foster a menopause-friendly workplace and design policies and accommodations for employees. Click to learn more https://emmeellecoaching.com/menopauseatwork

Turn your menopause transition into a transformation with the Menopause Intelligence Course (MQ), an 8-module, self-paced learning experience, empowering you to take agency over your health and make informed decisions with your healthcare team.

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Disclaimer: Information shared is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional.