Season 2 • Episode 9

Sleep: Why Women's Sleep Problems Get Dismissed and What Actually Improves Sleep with Dr. Alison Kole

Episode Description

If you’ve ever laid awake exhausted, replaying your to-do list at 2AM, wondering why you still feel tired no matter how much sleep you get, this episode is for you.

In this Expert Interview on The Hairy Chin Podcast, I welcome Dr. Alison Kole, a triple board-certified sleep medicine physician, to talk about insomnia, sleep apnea, burnout, ADHD, exhaustion, supplements, jet lag, screen time, and why women’s sleep problems are so often dismissed.

Dr. Kole shares practical sleep tools, insomnia techniques, red flag symptoms women should never ignore, and what to actually say to a doctor if you think something deeper is going on with your sleep.

We also discuss why women wait years to seek help, how chronic stress impacts sleep quality, the dangers of blindly trusting sleep supplements online, and how social media, modern life, and overstimulation are affecting our nervous systems.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your exhaustion is “normal,” struggled to advocate for yourself in a doctor’s office, or felt frustrated trying to fix your sleep on your own, come join us for this conversation.

Timestamps:

[00:01:19] Why Women Are So Exhausted

[00:06:30] Burnout and Boundaries

[00:11:00] Why Women Wait Too Long To Get Help

[00:13:30] Fatigue, Labs & Being Dismissed

[00:17:00] Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women

[00:21:25] What To Say to Your Doctor About Sleep

[00:30:20] Melatonin, Supplements, Sleep Scams and CBT

[00:38:30] Sleep Divorce, Scandinavian Sleep Method & Shared Beds

[00:43:35] Earplugs, Sleep Tech & Noise Sensitivity

[00:45:15] Wake Times, Jet Lag, Light & Circadian Rhythm

[00:50:30] Screens, Brightness & ADHD/Neurodivergence

[00:55:40] Where To Find Dr. Alison Kole

Resources From This Episode:

Ask The Sleep Med on YouTube

Sleep Is My Waking Passion Podcast

Ask The Sleep Med Website

Dr. Alison Kole's Sleep Picks (earbuds, supplements, etc.)

About Host Spencer Moore:

Spencer Moore, founder of The Hairy Chin, is a passionate advocate for patient education, female empowerment, and authentic patient stories that inspire and inform women on their health and wellness journeys. She shares practical advocacy skills, authentic patient stories, and conversations with medical professionals that motivate and guide women navigating their health, making her a trusted voice in women's wellness.

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Disclaimer: The Hairy Chin does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical concerns.