Dr. Eric Dorninger Featured on The Advisor: Health & Healing Podcast

Sleep struggles are rarely just about sleep.

Dr. Eric Dorninger recently joined Stacey Chillemi on The Advisor: Health & Healing podcast for an in-depth conversation about the real drivers behind anxiety, insomnia, and feeling “wired but tired” at night.

The episode explores how inflammation, gut health, oxygen levels, blood sugar stability, and hormonal shifts all influence the nervous system and the body’s ability to enter deep, restorative sleep.

Why You Can Feel Exhausted but Still Unable to Sleep

Many people assume poor sleep is caused by stress or racing thoughts alone. In reality, the nervous system may be reacting to deeper biological signals.

In this conversation, Dr. Dorninger explains:

• Why anxiety is often driven by inflammation rather than willpower

• How the gut–brain connection influences mood and sleep quality

• Why cortisol and adrenaline can keep you “revved up” at bedtime

• The overlooked foundations of sleep: steady oxygen and steady fuel

• What happens to sleep during perimenopause and menopause

• Why supplements do not work when the root cause remains unaddressed

Rather than focusing solely on symptom relief, the episode emphasizes identifying and correcting the underlying disruptions that interfere with restorative sleep.

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System

The discussion also highlights the endocannabinoid system and its role in regulating the nervous system. Supporting this system may help promote calm and balance without creating dependency, especially when combined with foundational lifestyle strategies.

Start with the Foundations

Before turning to sleep medications, Dr. Dorninger encourages listeners to evaluate:

• Nighttime oxygen stability

• Blood sugar regulation

• Inflammatory load

• Gut health

• Nervous system regulation

When these systems are supported, restorative sleep becomes more attainable and sustainable.