If you’ve been struggling with sleep for a while, whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, those dreaded 3am wake-ups or sleep changes during perimenopause, you may have wondered whether it’s time to consider medication.

But with sleeping tablets, melatonin, antihistamines and cannabis-based products all being discussed as potential sleep aids, it can be difficult to know what actually works, what the downsides are and where to start.

In this Mini Motivation episode of Healthy Her, Amelia Phillips is joined by clinical psychologist and sleep researcher Dr Amelia Scott, founder of Circa Sleep, to unpack the different options available and where they may, or may not, have a role.

They also discuss why persistent sleep problems shouldn’t automatically be treated with a sleeping pill, and the importance of investigating underlying causes, including conditions such as sleep apnoea.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The most commonly prescribed medications for sleep and how they work
• Where benzodiazepines and Z-drugs fit into the picture
• Why some antidepressants and antihistamines are used for sleep
• What the evidence says about melatonin and who may benefit
• What we currently know about CBD and THC-based products for sleep
• The potential limitations and downsides of relying on sleep medications
• Why conditions such as sleep apnoea can sometimes be mistaken for “poor sleep”
• When medication may be useful — and when addressing the underlying cause is more important

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: ap@ameliaphillips.com.au
Find out more at: www.ameliaphillips.com.au
Discover Vitality360: https://v360.health

CREDITS
Host: Amelia Phillips                                                                                                        
Guest: Dr Amelia Scott.                                                                                                                      Audio Producer: Darren Roth
Music: Matt Nicholich                                                                                                                Production Partner: Nova Entertainment Pty Ltd

Healthy Her acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. 
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