Today, Lara is joined by one of the leading voices in women’s sleep health: the extraordinary Dr. Andrea Matsumura, Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist, Internal Medicine Physician, and nationally recognized expert on the biology of midlife sleep.

As a clinician, educator, and advocate, Dr. Matsumura has dedicated her career to understanding why so many women stop sleeping in midlife, and why the answers are almost never as simple as “stress” or “hormones.” From her work diagnosing complex sleep disorders at The Oregon Clinic to her leadership roles within the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Matsumura brings clarity, compassion, and science to a topic too often minimized or misunderstood.

In this episode, Dr. Matsumura breaks down the real physiology behind women’s changing sleep in midlife including how shifting estrogen impacts your sleep architecture, why hot flashes aren’t the whole story, and the surprising number of women who unknowingly meet criteria for conditions like restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and chronic insomnia. She explains the difference between normal aging and true sleep pathology, the role of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and why women deserve a far more thorough, and specialized, approach to their sleep concerns.

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re suddenly wide awake at 2 AM, why your doctor waved away your symptoms, or what a sleep evaluation should look like for women in midlife, you’re in the right place. Dr. Matsumura is here to offer real answers, real validation, and real tools to help you return to deep, restorative sleep.

Connect with Dr. Andrea Matsumura on Instagram @sleepgoddessmd

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*The Sweaty Pillow Podcast provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Information shared is not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

Today, Lara is joined by one of the most respected voices in modern sleep science: the brilliant Dr. Michael Breus, Clinical Psychologist and Board-Certified Sleep Specialist.

Recently named the Top Sleep Specialist in California and recognized as one of the ten most influential people in sleep, Dr. Breus has built an extraordinary career reshaping how we understand rest, energy, and the biological timing that drives every part of our lives. With more than 40 appearances on The Dr. Oz Show and multiple bestselling books—including The Power of When and Energize!—Dr. Breus has helped millions discover that there is a science-backed right time to do everything: sleep, eat, think, exercise, connect, and reboot.

In this episode, Dr. Breus unpacks the truth about chronotypes—your internal biological rhythm—and explains why honoring your unique timing is the key to better sleep and more consistent energy, especially in midlife. He breaks down the genetics behind your chronotype, why menopause can dramatically shift your sleep patterns, and what you can do about it. From metabolic health and movement to strategic habits that support your circadian rhythm, he lays out an actionable path forward for anyone who feels like their sleep or energy has come undone.

If you’ve ever wondered why you “can’t sleep like you used to,” why your nights changed the moment midlife arrived, or how to finally align your biology with your lifestyle, you’re in the right place. Dr. Breus shows us that when you understand your chronotype, you unlock more than better sleep—you unlock a smarter, calmer, more energized version of yourself in menopause and beyond.

Connect with Dr. Breus below!

Take the Chronotype Quiz: Chronotype Quiz

Discover the Mattress Toppers: Mattress Toppers

Read Dr. Breus’ latest book: Sleep, Drink, Breathe (2024)

Explore all of Dr. Breus’ books: Other books

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Use code: TSP25 for 25% off

Connect with The Sweaty Pillow on Instagram @thesweatypillow 

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Connect with Lara Smith @laralusome

***The Sweaty Pillow Podcast provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Information shared is not a substitute for professional medical guidance.***

Welcome to a very special episode of The Sweaty Pillow! For the first time ever, we’re welcoming a man into our sanctuary: the brilliant Dr. Bill Bruno, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in West Hollywood.

Dr. Bruno’s work extends far beyond aesthetics. After a personal health scare involving heart disease, he pioneered the integration of longevity and wellness into modern medical practice, creating a proven prescription for healing, thriving, and prevention at every age.

Dr. Bruno joins us to share his incredible personal health journey and why the foundational elements of lifestyle—nutrition, exercise, and sleep—are responsible for 80% of your health outcomes, defying the “it’s just genetics” excuse, and shares the exact formula to ask your doctor for. Dr. Bruno is living proof that becoming the CEO of your own health is the true path to thriving in midlife and beyond.

Connect with Dr. Bruno on Instagram @williambrunomd

Join The Sweaty Pillow Community here

Connect with The Sweaty Pillow on Instagram @thesweatypillow

Find us on TikTok @the.sweaty.pillow

Connect with Lara Smith @laralusome

***The Sweaty Pillow Podcast provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Information shared is not a substitute for professional medical guidance.***