Insomnia Causes and Solutions

Episode 231:Hidden Causes of Insomnia with Martha Lewis

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Are you struggling with insomnia and wondering why you can’t get a good night’s sleep? Sleep disturbances aren’t just frustrating—they’re often a symptom of underlying health issues. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with The Sleep Detective, Martha Lewis, to uncover the root causes of insomnia and provide actionable solutions to help you sleep better naturally.

Why Can’t I Sleep? Understanding the Root Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia isn’t just about tossing and turning at night—it can stem from a variety of internal imbalances. Martha Lewis, creator of the Complete Sleep Solution program, explains how several factors could be disrupting your sleep, including:

1. Blood Sugar Imbalances: Fluctuating blood sugar levels—especially at night—can cause your body to wake up suddenly. Poor dietary habits, excessive sugar intake, and late-night snacking can lead to unstable glucose levels, disrupting sleep cycles.

2. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones like cortisol, melatonin, and progesterone play crucial roles in regulating sleep. If your body produces too much cortisol (the stress hormone) or too little melatonin (the sleep hormone), it can lead to insomnia.

3. Physiological Stress and Nervous System Dysregulation: Chronic stress keeps your body in a state of fight or flight, preventing the parasympathetic nervous system from engaging in deep rest and recovery. This can lead to difficulty falling and staying asleep.

4. Gut Health and Sleep Connection: Your gut microbiome plays a significant role in sleep regulation. Poor digestion, gut inflammation, or imbalances in gut bacteria can interfere with serotonin and melatonin production, making it harder to get restful sleep.

5. Nocturnal Light Exposure and Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Exposure to blue light from screens at night suppresses melatonin production and confuses your internal body clock (circadian rhythm). Reducing screen time before bed and using blue light-blocking glasses can help restore healthy sleep patterns.

How to Improve Sleep Naturally: Actionable Solutions

Martha Lewis shares science-backed strategies to improve sleep quality:

✅ Balance Blood Sugar: Avoid processed sugars and eat a balanced dinner with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
✅ Support Hormonal Health: Manage stress, incorporate relaxation techniques, and consider functional lab testing if you suspect hormonal imbalances.
✅ Reduce Stress Levels: Practice breathwork, meditation, and nervous system regulation exercises to promote relaxation.
✅ Optimize Gut Health: Eat probiotic-rich foods, reduce inflammatory foods, and support digestion for better serotonin and melatonin production.
✅ Limit Blue Light Exposure: Use blue light blockers, dim screens, and avoid electronic devices 1-2 hours before bedtime to improve sleep onset.

Still Struggling with Insomnia? Find the Root Cause with Our Free Analysis!

Many people suffer from hidden health issues that affect their sleep without realizing it. Our free root cause analysis  (RCA) global service helps identify what’s really keeping you awake—whether it’s stress, diet, hormonal imbalances, or other health factors.

Take the first step toward better sleep and improved health today!