Show Notes
If you’ve always been a good sleeper and suddenly find yourself wide awake at 3am, struggling to fall asleep, waking more often or simply not feeling refreshed in the morning, perimenopause could be playing a role. Sleep disturbances affect an estimated 40–60% of women during perimenopause, and the numbers are even higher among women seeking help through menopause clinics. In this episode of Healthy Her, Amelia Phillips is joined by clinical psychologist and sleep researcher Dr Amelia Scott, founder of Circa Sleep, to unpack why sleep can become so disrupted during this stage of life. They explore what’s happening as our hormones begin to fluctuate, how symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats interact with sleep, and why stress, anxiety and changing sleep patterns can sometimes compound the problem. Most importantly, they discuss what actually helps. From evidence-based strategies for insomnia to the everyday habits that support deeper, more restorative sleep, Dr Amelia shares practical ways to get your sleep back on track. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why sleep can suddenly change during perimenopause How fluctuating hormones can influence sleep Why waking during the night can become harder to recover from How stress and anxiety interact with sleep in midlife The common sleep mistakes that can unintentionally make insomnia worse What CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) is and why it’s considered a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia Practical strategies to improve sleep quality and consistency When disrupted sleep is worth investigating further Whether your sleep has only recently started to change or you’ve been struggling for years, this episode will help you understand what may be driving it, and what you can do about it. About the guest: Dr Amelia is a Clinical Psychologist and sleep researcher with a Master of Clinical Psychology and PhD from the University of Sydney. She runs Cira Sleep, a clinic specialising in treating insomnia and sleep disorders in the context of health conditions, such as chronic pain and neurological disorders. She practises CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) and ACT informed therapy. She also has a special interest and additional post-graduate training in perinatal psychology, supporting women experiencing sleep disorders. Amelia draws from a range of evidence-based methods, and has a warm and collaborative therapeutic style. Dr Amelia is about to launch an online course called The Insomnia Program, and there is an opportunity to be a part of the pilot program free of charge for a select few. It's a five-module, 6 week online course built on CBT-I, along with ACT therapy. A blended treatment program designed to address the root cause of insomnia and help you build a calm trusting relationship with your sleep. Amelia is in the pilot phase right now and looking for the first participants to partake in the program now. If you'd like to be a participant or hear when it launches, express your interest below. Be part of Dr Amelia's Pilot Program: https://www.circasleep.com.au/the-insomnia-program Learn more about Circa Sleep here: https://www.circasleep.com.au/ Follow Dr Amelia on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drameliajscott/ About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.
A respected media presenter, Amelia has been featured on Channel 9’s hit show Do You Want to Live Forever? and is dedicated to helping people build a life of energy, connection, and purpose at any age or stage of life.
Instagram: @_amelia_phillips Have a question? Email: [email protected] Find out more at: www.ameliaphillips.com.au Discover Vitality360: https://v360.health C
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In this episode of Healthy Her, host Amelia Phillips is joined by women’s health physiotherapist and author Lisa Fitzpatrick to explore how we can improve our libido, experience better orgasms and enjoy a fulfilling sex life through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. While shifting hormones can bring changes to sexual desire, sensation and pleasure, Lisa believes our best sex could still be ahead of us. With over 30 years of experience in women’s pelvic and sexual health, she shares why desire doesn’t have to expire, how orgasms can actually get better with age, and the important role our pelvic floor plays in sexual pleasure. Together, Amelia and Lisa dive into the differences between clitoral and internal orgasms, why pelvic floor strength and relaxation matter, and practical ways to reconnect with your body, reignite intimacy and rediscover pleasure. Whether you’re experiencing low libido, struggling to orgasm or simply curious about taking your sex life to the next level, this conversation is packed with insights to help you embrace this next chapter with confidence. Look out for episode #2 coming soon all about pleasure toys for pelvic play... About the guest: Lisa Fitzpatrick is a physiotherapist, author and speaker with more than 30 years of clinical experience and a special interest in women’s pelvic and sexual health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and has completed additional professional training in pelvic floor rehabilitation and women’s pelvic health, with a strong focus on education and empowering women to better understand their bodies. Lisa specialises in pelvic floor dysfunction, painful intercourse and sexual health challenges associated with perimenopause and menopause. She is the founder of Womankind Pelvic Care Physiotherapy, with clinics in Bangalow and Ballina, NSW. Lisa is passionate about improving women’s understanding of pelvic health, sexual function and healthy ageing. She is also the author of Sexy Menopause: The New Science and Soul of Midlife Desire, which explores the physiological, psychological and emotional aspects of sexuality during midlife. Folow Lisa on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sexy.menopause/ Order Lisa's book: https://www.sexymenopause.com/ Vaginal Moisturiser (mentioned): https://www.oliveandbee.com.au/ About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.
In this Ask me Anything episode, host Amelia Phillips answers three listener questions from supplements to fatigue. In this episode, she covers: Why 5g of creatine is enough for muscle health, but higher doses may offer additional cognitive benefits. Whether collagen counts towards your daily protein intake and why it’s not the best choice for building muscle. How to decide whether to train, modify your workout or take a rest day after a poor night’s sleep. Have a question you’d like answered in a future AMA episode? Send it through! And if you’re enjoying Healthy Her, please follow the show and leave a review. It really does help more women discover the podcast. World Menopause Day: Amelia will be speaking at Prevention Magazine's World Menopause Day Lunch on Sat Oct 17th. Find out more and buy tickets here: https://www.worldmenopauseday.com.au/ About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.
Do you really need cold plunges, expensive supplements and the latest wearable to live a longer, healthier life? Dr Ginni Mansberg says probably not. In this episode, Amelia sits down with GP, author and women’s health expert Dr Ginni Mansberg to cut through the increasingly noisy world of longevity and uncover what actually moves the needle. Drawing on her new book, The Women’s Longevity Handbook, Ginni explains why she believes “biohacking is a bust” and why the less glamorous fundamentals may ultimately matter far more. They unpack the things women can start doing in their 40s, 50s and beyond to protect their future health, from maintaining muscle and bone to reducing cardiovascular risk, protecting brain health and navigating menopause. They also explore where menopausal hormone therapy fits into the longevity conversation, how much control we really have over our risk of dementia, and why looking after yourself in midlife isn’t selfish — it’s an investment in the people who rely on you, too. And if the whole longevity conversation leaves you feeling like there are another 25 things you need to add to your to-do list, Ginni brings it right back to basics: what are the few things you could start doing now that your 80-year-old self will genuinely thank you for? In this episode: The fundamentals that have the biggest impact on living longer and healthier Why muscle and bone become so important in midlife, and how to exercise when you hate it What women need to know about heart disease and cardiovascular risk How much of our future dementia risk may be modifiable Menopause, hormones and where MHT fits into healthy ageing Why self-care in midlife is anything but selfish The three things Ginni wants women to prioritise for their future selves World Menopause Day: Amelia and Dr Ginni will be speaking at Prevention Magazine's World Menopause Day Lunch on Oct 17th. Find out more and buy tickets here: https://www.worldmenopauseday.com.au/ About the guest: Dr Ginni is a General Practitioner, TV host and resident GP on Channel 7's Sunrise. She sits on the advisory boards. She is the author of the bestselling book M Word, Save your Brain, and The women's Longevity Handbook. Dr Ginni's books: https://www.booktopia.com.au/search?keywords=Dr%20Ginni%20Mansberg&productType=917504&pn=1 Follow Dr Ginni: https://www.instagram.com/doctorginni/ About the host: Amelia Phillips is an exercise scientist, nutritionist, and published researcher (BSc, MNut) with a career spanning 26 years in health. She is the co-founder of Vitality360, a functional health platform that helps people gain deep insights into their health and make targeted changes for lasting vitality.
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