The Dr. Hyman Show

Can’t Fall or Stay Asleep? Your Sleep Questions Answered

80 snips
Apr 20, 2026
Explores why sleep problems are usually multi-factorial, not just habits. Covers circadian disruption, blood sugar swings, hormones, inflammation, and nervous system overdrive. Discusses nighttime awakenings, feeling tired after enough hours, and common hidden causes. Reviews which supplements and simple foundational habits can help you get more consistent, restorative sleep.
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INSIGHT

Sleep Problems Are Multi-System Issues

  • Sleep problems usually come from interacting systems, not a single habit or pill.
  • Circadian rhythm, nervous system arousal, blood sugar, hormones, inflammation, and nutrient deficits all combine to determine sleep quality.
ADVICE

Downregulate To Sleep When You're Wired

  • Calm your nervous system to stop being 'tired and wired.'
  • Use breathwork, meditation, and deliberate downshifts because chronic stress keeps cortisol high at night and prevents sleep.
INSIGHT

Middle Of Night Waking Signals Metabolic Urgency

  • Nighttime blood sugar drops trigger emergency stress-hormone responses that wake you up between 2–4am.
  • Meals high in carbs or late-night sugar/alcohol can cause overnight hypoglycemia and cortisol spikes that fragment sleep.
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