Sleep Issues

Sleep Issues

Restorative Sleep as a Foundation for Healing – Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital, non-negotiable process that affects every system in your body. From hormone regulation and detoxification to immune strength and mental health, your body repairs itself while you rest.

Dr. Brenda Marshall works with patients to uncover the real reasons behind their sleep issues—going far beyond “just stress” or a prescription. Whether you're tossing and turning during perimenopause, waking with anxiety, or stuck in a cycle of wired-but-tired exhaustion, there’s a path to healing.

When Sleep Isn’t Simple

Many of Dr. Marshall’s patients struggle with:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking in the middle of the night
• Early morning waking (3–5 a.m.)
• Restless or non-restorative sleep
• Sleep impacted by hot flashes or night sweats
• Sleep disrupted by pain, gut issues, or mood swings
• Brain fog and energy crashes despite "enough" sleep

These patterns show up in many of the conditions Dr. Marshall treats—including perimenopause, thyroid imbalance, depression, testosterone deficiency, and food sensitivities. Improving sleep is often the first—and most powerful—step toward feeling better.

Root Causes of Sleep Disruption

Dr. Marshall investigates why you’re not sleeping by evaluating factors like:

• Cortisol rhythm dysfunction (stress or adrenal imbalance)
• Progesterone or melatonin deficiency
• Blood sugar imbalances causing nighttime spikes/crashes
• Histamine intolerance or gut inflammation
• Environmental factors (light, EMFs, noise, bedding toxins)
• Neurotransmitter imbalances affecting GABA or serotonin

A Personalized Sleep Restoration Plan

1. Testing & Diagnosis

• Cortisol and DHEA (4-point salivary or DUTCH hormone test)
• Sex hormone and melatonin levels
• Glucose regulation and insulin response
• Thyroid function and iron/ferritin levels
• Gut and histamine sensitivity evaluation

2. Sleep Support Plan

• Nutritional strategies to support serotonin and melatonin
• Herbal/nutrient therapies (magnesium, glycine, theanine, GABA)
• Bioidentical progesterone for perimenopausal or anxious sleep
• Stress resilience support and nervous system regulation
• Sleep hygiene and circadian rhythm optimization
• Detoxing sleep disruptors from your environment

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I sleep 7–8 hours but still wake up exhausted. Can you help?
A: Yes. Sleep quality matters as much as quantity. Dr. Marshall investigates adrenal function, oxygenation, blood sugar balance, and inflammation to uncover why your rest isn't restorative.

Q: Could hormones be affecting my sleep?
A: Absolutely. Declines in progesterone, testosterone, or thyroid function can disrupt your ability to fall or stay asleep. These are common during perimenopause and midlife but are often overlooked in routine care.

Q: What’s the connection between gut health and sleep?
A: The gut helps produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin. If your microbiome is imbalanced or inflamed, it may interfere with natural sleep rhythms.

Q: Can I avoid sleeping pills?
A: In many cases, yes. Dr. Marshall focuses on root-cause healing using nutrients, herbs, hormonal balance, and nervous system support to help patients restore sleep without long-term reliance on medication.

Q: How soon can I expect improvement?
A: Many patients begin sleeping better within 2–4 weeks once the right root causes are identified and addressed.

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle for Better Sleep

Small, consistent changes can shift your sleep rhythm dramatically:

💡 Light & Environment

• Dim lights at night, avoid blue light before bed
• Sleep in complete darkness or use a sleep mask
• Cool your room to 65–68°F for optimal rest

🥗 Evening Nutrition

• Avoid late caffeine, sugar, or heavy meals
• Include a light protein-fat combo (e.g., almond butter on apple) to stabilize blood sugar
• Herbal teas like chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower may help calm your system

📱 Wind-Down Ritual

• Limit screen time and social media after 8 p.m.
• Take a magnesium or Epsom salt bath
• Try journaling or a short guided meditation to process the day

🔄 Daily Habits That Reinforce Sleep

• Get early morning sunlight on your skin
• Move your body daily (walks, yoga, strength training)
• Keep a consistent bedtime—even on weekends

📝 Sleep Log & Tracker

Your sleep holds valuable clues. This easy-to-use log helps you track patterns in your rest, habits, and overall well-being—so you and Dr. Marshall can pinpoint what’s helping or hindering your recovery.

Use it nightly or weekly to:

• Record bedtime routines and wake patterns
• Note lifestyle habits like caffeine, exercise, and stress
• Reflect on sleep quality and next steps

👉 Download the Sleep Log & Tracker and start uncovering what your body is telling you while you sleep.

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