Summary
Overview
Jo and Zoe tackle listener questions about insomnia, deodorant choices, and when to put up Christmas decorations. They share personal experiences with sleep solutions, discuss aluminium-free deodorant options, debate the perfect timing for festive decorations, and reflect on how Christmas traditions evolve as children grow up. The episode includes amusing stories about HRT affecting pets and competitive family tree-decorating sessions.
Sleep Struggles and Solutions for Insomnia
Alison shares her frustration with waking at 3am every night and struggling with insomnia despite trying numerous remedies. Jo and Zoe discuss their personal experiences with sleep issues and what has worked for them, from magnesium supplements to progesterone therapy. They emphasize that fighting sleeplessness can make it worse, and sometimes getting up to do something productive can help break the cycle.
- Magnesium supplements and increased progesterone dosage significantly improved sleep quality
- Taking baths in magnesium salts can help promote better sleep
- Progesterone is particularly effective for deeper, less restless sleep
- Getting up and doing productive activities during sleepless nights can lead to exhaustion and eventual sleep
- Keeping the bedroom cool with layers you can remove helps regulate body temperature through the night
- Reading a book in a cozy spot can help calm an anxious brain and induce sleep
" My sleep has deteriorated the older I get, and at times it can be so frustrating and even exhausting. I've tried medication, both prescription and herbal, good sleep hygiene, sleeping alone, meditation apps, the lot to no avail. "
" I used to really struggle to sleep. And yeah, I used to take a lot of sleeping tablets. And again, you shouldn't really take those for a long period of time because, you know, they can add to your risk of dementia. "
The Great Deodorant Debate
Laura asks about deodorant recommendations for a perimenopausal woman who wants to switch to aluminium-free options but dislikes the wet feeling. Jo and Zoe share their favorite products, from Onsen spray to Salt of the Earth roll-ons, and discuss the peculiarities of body hair changes with age. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they reveal personal grooming habits and the unexpected effects of menopause on hair growth.
- Onsen aluminium-free spray is effective without leaving a wet feeling
- Salt of the Earth is a healthy, aluminium-free roll-on option recommended by multiple family members
- Mitchum spray is popular in the household for those who perspire more
- Dove makes aluminium-free options available in supermarkets
" My thing is, because I can't see anymore, the armpits, I often let them go. I'm sort of quite Julia Roberts style. "
" I can't grow armpit hair anymore. Wow. Everywhere. I mean, eyebrow hair is a nightmare if you're my age and you grew up when waxing was everything. It just stops bothering by the time you get to your 50s. "
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