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Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Ep. 581 "Hack Your Vagus Nerve” – Simple Daytime Rituals To End 3:00 AM Wake-Ups

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ · Apr 16, 2026 · 15:17

0:0015:17

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Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute episode.

Today, I answer a question from a 55-year-old postmenopausal woman on HRT who still wakes up multiple times at night. I also explore the factors that tend to affect women’s sleep in midlife and offer practical strategies for better sleep.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:



How sleep apnea shows up differently in women than it does in men




Why being constantly sympathetic dominant may interfere with your sleep




How not eating enough protein, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats can spike your cortisol overnight




How drops in progesterone and changes in estrogen can impact GABA and glutamate




The importance of doing vagal exercise during the day and gearing down before bed 




Some simple vagus nerve practices to support relaxation




How alterations in progesterone and estrogen impact neurotransmitters




My favorite supplement for supporting sleep, and adaptogenic herbs that buffer cortisol




Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  



Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn




Check out Cynthia’s website




Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com




Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow 




Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!




Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book




The Midlife Pause Supplement Line




Links:

1. Sleep and sleep disorders in the menopausal transition (Research Link)

2. The Sleep Goddess Reveals the Truth About Sleep, Menopause & Hidden Sleep Disorders | A. Matsumura (YouTube) 

3. Pulsetto (Affiliate link): Discount code: CYNTHIA

Episodes: Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

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