Surprising Sleep Conditions that Create Insomnia

Is your body’s internal chemistry sabotaging your sleep? In this episode Quiet the Diet, host Michelle Shapiro explores hidden causes of insomnia, from histamine intolerance to hormone imbalances, and shares practical strategies for improving sleep quality, drawing from both her personal experience and client stories.

Tune in to hear:

• The struggle of overcoming severe insomnia through addressing histamine intolerance, and how histamines can affect sleep. [00:02:27]
• How to use long-term and short-term tools to tackle root causes of insomnia, including anxiety and nutrient deficiencies. [00:04:46]
• The importance of managing histamines for sleep, and the extended time it can take for histamines to clear from the body. [00:06:18]
• Hyperadrenergic POTS and its impact on sleep: symptoms, strategies to manage adrenaline dumping, and calming the nervous system before bed. [00:09:33]
• The relationship between cortisol spikes and sleep disruptions, and how blood sugar regulation can prevent cortisol-induced wakefulness. [00:14:26]
• Hormonal fluctuations, particularly around ovulation and menstruation, as potential contributors to poor sleep quality. [00:19:09]
• The role of nutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and iron, in causing sleep problems and restless leg syndrome. [00:21:17]
• A closer look at sleep apnea and how it might manifest beyond typical symptoms, including insights from using Oura Rings for detection. [00:18:11]
• Michelle’s personal strategy for reframing insomnia and coping with sleepless nights by accepting the situation rather than fighting it. [00:23:42]
• How chronic pain, particularly neck pain, and other conditions like hyperthyroidism, can affect sleep quality. [00:25:13]
• Timing of supplements and medications, and how seasonal changes may affect sleep patterns. [00:27:09]

Watch the full episode on Youtube

This episode is sponsored by Paleo Valley. Use code QTD to get 15% off your first order.


Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  


Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides

Sign up for the Newsletter

Join our FREE membership community!


Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG