All About You With Dr Shauna Watts

Can’t sleep through the night? In midlife, wake-ups, restless nights, and feeling unrefreshed are often misunderstood but they’re not your fault. 

In this episode, we explore the real reasons sleep changes during perimenopause and menopause, and how to work with your body instead of against it.
We bring together key conversations on sleep, hormones, alcohol, and the female brain. 

If you fall asleep but wake at 3 a.m., feel wired yet exhausted, or struggle to feel rested no matter how long you sleep, this episode explains why: without fear, shame, or oversimplified “fixes.”
You’ll hear why there’s no single “perfect” amount of sleep, how hormonal shifts reshape your sleep cycles, and why even one drink of alcohol can quietly sabotage restorative rest. 

We also dive into something rarely discussed: sleep isn’t passive. While your body rests, your brain is actively processing emotion, filing memories, and softening the edges of daily stress. When sleep is disrupted, that work doesn’t happen— nd it shows up as irritability, anxiety, low mood, or burnout.

Topics covered include:
- Why sleep changes during perimenopause and menopause
- How REM sleep supports emotional and mental health
- The impact of estrogen and progesterone on sleep quality
- Why more sleep isn’t always better and less sleep isn’t always the problem
- Evidence-based, practical strategies to improve sleep without pressure or perfection

If sleep has started to feel fragile, frustrating, or out of reach, this episode will help you reframe it, calm your nervous system, and stop blaming yourself.

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:
🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note
Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.
🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

00:00 – Why sleep feels harder lately
01:19 – How much sleep do we actually need?
02:47 – What happens when you oversleep or undersleep
05:14 – The real health risks of chronic poor sleep
07:15 – Why alcohol sabotages your sleep
09:32 – Alcohol, REM sleep, and emotional regulation
10:57 – Hormones, fatigue, and the hidden cost of nightly drinking
12:42 – Sponsor: Rediscover You Program
13:27 – Sleep as emotional repair, not just rest
15:24 – Why REM sleep matters so much
17:01 – Practical sleep habits that actually help
18:37 – How to quiet a racing mind at night
20:13 – Phones, clocks, and sleep anxiety
22:26 – Hormones and sleep quality in midlife
25:26 – The ideal sleep environment
27:08 – You can’t ‘bank’ sleep
29:06 – Circadian rhythm and morning light
31:26 – Why you may still feel tired after sleeping better
32:58 – Screens: is it the light or the engagement?
34:56 – The most important thing to know about sleep

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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If you are raising a teenager, this conversation will change how you think about alcohol and drugs.

Alcohol feels unavoidable, cannabis seems increasingly normalised, and parents are hearing about drugs they never encountered growing up.

But what is actually happening?

In this episode of All About You, Dr Shauna Watts is joined by Paul Dillon, founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), to unpack the real data behind teen alcohol and drug use. The conversation is calm, evidence based, and free from fear driven messaging.

With decades of experience working directly with schools, parents, and young people, Paul explains what the research really shows, why many assumptions are outdated, and how parents can reduce harm while maintaining trust and connection with their teens.

This episode is for parents who want clarity rather than panic, and guidance that works in real family life.

And if you want to learn more about: 
• Why teen drinking is declining in Australia and internationally
• What the evidence shows about alcohol and the developing teenage brain
• Why delaying alcohol use matters, without unrealistic parenting rules
• How parenting approaches have shifted and why that matters
• Why ketamine is an emerging concern for young people
• How drug access has changed, even when overall use has not increased
• How to talk to teens about drugs without fear, shame, or overreaction
• The difference between loss of potential and fear based brain damage messaging
• Why one parenting approach rarely works for every child

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:
🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note
Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.
🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts
https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Chapters 
00:00 – Why parents are more anxious about teen drugs than ever
02:18 – Are teens actually drinking less? What the data shows
05:41 – How teen drinking today compares to previous generations
09:12 – Alcohol and the developing teenage brain explained simply
14:06 – Why delaying alcohol use matters more than total abstinence
18:32 – What parents misunderstand about brain damage messaging
22:47 – How parenting styles influence teen risk behaviour
27:15 – Why access to drugs has changed for young people
31:40 – Ketamine use in teenagers and why it concerns experts
36:54 – Cannabis, MDMA, and alcohol compared for teen risk
41:26 – How to talk to teens about drugs without losing trust
46:08 – What effective harm reduction actually looks like at home
51:02 – When parents should be genuinely concerned
55:18 – The biggest mistake parents make around teen substance use
59:40 – Final advice for parents raising teens today

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Feeling foggy, anxious, or unsure of who you are in midlife? Midlife isn’t just a physical transition; it’s a profound psychological and neurological one. 

In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts explores why so many women experience a loss of confidence, identity shifts, anxiety, and brain fog during perimenopause and menopause, and what actually helps.

Joined by clinical psychologist Heather Irvine Rundle, neuroscientist Dr. Lila Landowski, alcohol coach Sarah Rusbatch, and media personality Maz Compton, this conversation unpacks the science behind cognitive change, emotional overwhelm, and the identity crisis many women face when life roles shift.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Understand why midlife identity loss is so common (and why it’s not a personal failure)
Learn how perimenopause affects brain function, memory, and attention
Discover the concept of cognitive reserve and how to protect long-term brain health
Why multitasking increases brain fog and anxiety during midlife
How reducing or removing alcohol can dramatically improve mood, sleep, and clarity
Practical, science-backed ways to rebuild confidence and self-trust

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:
https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note
Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence?
Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. your question may be featured in a future episode.
https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts 
https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:43 - Understanding Identity in Midlife
00:08:10 - Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome
00:09:04 - Identity and Relationships
00:11:31 - The Role of Childhood in Shaping Identity
00:12:38 - The Need for Novelty and Challenge
00:13:55 - Multitasking vs Monotasking
00:17:35 - Brain Hacks for Learning Faster and More Effectively
00:23:04 - Rediscover You Program - Dr Shaunas 16 week program for women in midlife
00:23:48 - Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Strategies and Challenges
00:27:30 - The Struggle of Grey Area Drinkers
00:30:39 - The Hardship of Quitting Alcohol
00:31:18 - Anxiety in Perimenopause
00:35:40 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy Explained
00:40:17 - The Importance of Therapy
00:46:03 - Making the Choice to Stop Drinking
00:47:58 - The Impact of Sobriety on Relationships
00:52:57 - The Role of Choice in Sobriety
00:54:55 - The Influence of Culture on Drinking Habits
00:57:21 - The Impact of Generational Shifts on Drinking

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Menopause is not the finish line, it’s a turning point. In this episode of All About You, GP Dr. Shauna Watts continues her conversation with urologist and author Dr Kelly Casperson to explore what happens after menopause and how women can protect their brain, body, and relationships for decades to come. 

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

Understand the role of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone beyond reproduction
Protect brain health and mood during and after menopause
Use strength training as a foundation for longevity and independence
Improve sleep, metabolic health, and cardiovascular resilience
Rethink intimacy, pleasure, and sexual health as longevity tools
Reframe menopause as a springboard into a stronger, more confident phase of life

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:
https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts 
https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

00:00:00 – Menopause, Hormones & What This Episode Covers
00:01:15 – How Hormones Affect the Brain, Mood & Mental Health After Menopause
00:07:52 – Hormones, Aging & Longevity Explained
00:13:18 – Why Muscle Is Critical for Women’s Health After Menopause
00:15:07 – Building Muscle After 40, 50 & Menopause
00:17:35 – Overcoming Fear of Strength Training in Midlife
00:21:55 – Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Changes in Perimenopause
00:26:56 – Sleep Problems After Menopause and Why They Matter
00:29:54 – Sex, Pleasure & Longevity After Menopause
00:31:28 – Female Anatomy, Desire & Sexual Response
00:32:24 – Sexual Trauma, Shame & Stigma in Women’s Health
00:33:27 – Common Sexual Health Changes With Aging
00:35:49 – Menopause Myths: Do Labia Really Disappear?
00:36:34 – Hormones, Sexual Health & the Pelvic Floor
00:42:15 – Letting Go of Fear Around Menopause
00:45:28 – Menopause as Empowerment, Not Decline
00:47:47 – Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare + Final Takeaways

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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Start 2026 With Clarity, Not Extreme Resolutions

A new year doesn’t have to mean doing more, it means knowing where to focus.

In this special expert mash-up episode, Dr. Shauna Watts brings together trusted voices in cardiology, menopause medicine, alcohol coaching, and longevity to answer one critical question:

What actually protects your long-term health during perimenopause and menopause?

From heart disease and bone loss to alcohol, hormones, sexual health, and strength training, this episode delivers clear, evidence-based guidance to help you step into 2026 informed, capable, and confident in your health decisions.

🎧 Featuring insights from:
* Dr. Tom Ford (Cardiology)
* Dr. Alison Mooney (Menopause GP)
* Sarah Rusbatch (Alcohol & Menopause Coach)
* Dr. Amy Killen (Regenerative & Longevity Medicine)

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
* Protect your heart health during menopause with realistic lifestyle changes that actually reduce risk
* Understand osteoporosis and bone loss, and why early screening matters more than you think
* Choose the right types of exercise for cardiovascular health, bone strength, and longevity
* Understand how alcohol impacts hormones, sleep, mood, and breast cancer risk during midlife
* Improve sexual health and intimacy as you age by supporting blood flow, hormones, and nervous system health
* Build muscle and balance to prevent frailty, fractures, and loss of independence later in life

Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:
Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts 
https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgp
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:37 - Understanding Your Body During Midlife
00:01:54 - Lifestyle Changes for Heart Health
00:03:43 - Supplements and Heart Health
00:05:57 - The Impact of Smoking on Heart Health
00:07:41 - Alcohol and Heart Health
00:09:50 - Emotional Impact of Heart Disease
00:12:16 - Osteoporosis and Menopause
00:13:23 - Detecting Osteoporosis
00:15:15 - Understanding Osteoporosis Screening
00:16:08 - Identifying High Risk Groups for Osteoporosis
00:17:57 - Preventing and Managing Osteoporosis
00:18:52 - Promoting Bone Health from a Young Age
00:20:16 - The Role of Alcohol in Bone Health
00:20:41 - Rediscover You Program Advertisement
00:21:26 - Addressing Alcohol and Hormone Imbalances
00:23:38 - Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on Perimenopause Symptoms
00:26:46 - The Overlap Between Perimenopause Symptoms and Alcohol Consumption
00:28:03 - Addressing Cross Addiction and Boredom After Alcohol Withdrawal
00:28:12 - Rebalancing the Brain's Reward Pathways After Alcohol Withdrawal
00:30:27 - Exercise and Dopamine Replacement After Alcohol Withdrawal
00:31:30 - Understanding Sexual Longevity
00:32:31 - Lifestyle Factors Impacting Sexual Wellness
00:33:29 - Stress and Its Impact on Heart Health
00:34:46 - Risks of Extreme Exercise
00:36:01 - Risks of Bodybuilding and Steroid Use
00:37:48 - Dietary Interventions for Heart Health
00:40:00 - Strength Training and Bone Health
00:41:15 - Importance of Balance for Bone Health
00:42:45 - Preventing Frailty and Maintaining Independence
00:43:44 - The Role of Health Professionals in Preventing Osteoporosis

* menopause health
* menopause and heart health
* menopause and osteoporosis
* perimenopause health
* women’s health midlife
* healthy aging for women
* menopause lifestyle changes

* bone density menopause
* alcohol and menopause
* heart disease risk women
* strength training menopause
* sexual health after menopause
* longevity for women
* hormone therapy menopause
* osteopenia osteoporosis women

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.