Show Notes
In part two of our Perspectives podcast series on sleep, host Dr Adrian Lopresti is joined by our fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Emma Sutherland, Lisa Costa-Bir and Mick Alexander to delve deeper into integrative treatment strategies for sleep disorders.
Shifting the focus from assessment to intervention, the team discusses pharmaceutical options such as benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and melatonin, while emphasising the value of holistic, personalised care. Through detailed case studies, they explore approaches to managing sleep challenges in shift workers, perimenopausal women, and individuals with anxiety or chronic pain.
The episode highlights nutritional and herbal interventions—including saffron, L-theanine, lutein, magnesium, kava, Californian poppy, passionflower, and zizyphus—alongside strategies for enhancing circadian rhythm function, such as natural light exposure and effective decompression routines. Challenges such as long-term medication use and complex cases, including non-responders, are also addressed, reinforcing the need for practitioner collaboration and tailored treatment.
Covered in this episode:
(01:09) Welcome
(01:52) Sleep medications
(03:50) Melatonin
(6:46) SSRIs and SSNIs
(13:24) Regulations around sleep medications
(20:24) Melatonin and children
(23:57) Cannabis and CBD oil
(27:13) Case studies – Emma
(35:37) Case studies – Michelle
(40:46) Case studies – Lisa
(44:55) Case studies – Mick
(50:07) Stubborn sleep issues
(58:17) Referring to other practitioners
(1:01:44) Hypnosis as treatment
(1:04:22) Final thoughts
Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-sleep-rx-expert-insights-for-better-rest-part-2-treatment
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