In honor of National Women’s Health Month and Better Sleep Month, we’re spotlighting one of the most vital pillars of overall wellness—quality sleep. This month’s featured episode of Catching Zzz’s Podcast welcomes Better Sleep Council Representative Ellen Wermter, a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Diplomat in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, for an in-depth conversation about optimizing sleep—especially for women.
Through her roles as a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a clinical expert in sleep health, Ellen joins host Mary Helen Rogers to share research-backed insights on sleep trackers, creating ideal sleep environments, and rethinking our attitudes toward rest and recovery. If you’re feeling burnt out, restless, or overly focused on perfecting sleep, this conversation is for you.
Key Takeaways From The Episode:
- Sleep Trackers: Help or Hype?
Ellen explains the pros and cons of using wearable tech and apps to monitor sleep. While data can be helpful, obsessing over numbers can cause more harm than good. Learning how to interpret sleep tech results with context is key. - The Power of Sleep Environments
From minimizing blue light to managing ambient noise and temperature, your surroundings have a huge impact on how well you rest. Ellen shares practical ways to optimize your bedroom for better Zzzs. - Natural Light and Circadian Alignment
One of the most overlooked (yet simple) sleep strategies: get more natural sunlight. Exposure to daylight helps regulate your internal body clock and supports better nighttime rest. - Red Flags That You’re Overthinking Sleep
Sleep shouldn’t be a stressor. Ellen and Mary Helen outline signs that your approach to sleep might be doing more harm than good—and how to reset your mindset for healthier rest habits. - How One or Two Bad Nights Don’t Define Sleep Health
Perfection isn’t the goal. Ellen reframes occasional sleepless nights as normal—not catastrophic—events in the grand scheme of sleep health.
Meet Ellen Wermter
Ellen Wermter is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a vital voice in sleep health advocacy as a representative of the Better Sleep Council. She holds degrees in nursing from the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University, and is a Diplomat in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (DBSM) as well as certified in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
With national recognition for her expertise in narcolepsy and practical experience treating patients full-time, Ellen plays a pivotal role in public education around sleep health. She proudly served as clinical lead for the Harmony Biosciences Pitolisant program in Central Virginia and has been featured in HuffPost, MindBodyGreen, The Washington Post, and Homes & Gardens.
Beyond the clinic, Ellen enjoys rural life with her husband and four children. Together, they raise apple trees, tend honeybees, and enjoy nature. Her secret talents? Singing loudly (albeit off-key) on road trips and staying active through running and yoga.
Listen, Learn, and Sleep Smarter
Whether you’re struggling with insomnia, trying to make sense of your sleep tracker, or just want to improve your evening routine, this episode is a must-listen. Ellen’s insights are invaluable for anyone on a journey to better sleep and better health, especially during National Women’s Health Month.
Tune in and prioritize the rest you deserve!