Introducing Dr Katharina Lederle, Founder of Dr Kat Sleep Therapy
Meet Dr Kat, Scientific Sleep Therapist
“I am a Scientific Sleep Therapist supporting women on their journey towards sleeping well and feeling good within themselves. With a holistic approach, I combine proven sleep science with mindfulness, acceptance and compassion-based therapies to impact one of our fundamental needs: sleep.
Getting to where I am now was by no means a straight line though. I first studied Biological Sciences in Germany, and only after spending a year in South Africa working with meerkats did I decide to study human beings and focus on their sleep and body clock. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made!”
Join us as Dr Kat shares her inspiration, tools and routine for successful sleep, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or the perimenopause can affect sleep, along with the best piece of financial advice she ever received.
drkatsleep.com
Who are your typical clients?
Women from all walks who struggle with their sleep. These could be working mums of young children or new-borns, or women going through the menopause or retirees. What they all have in common though, apart from poor sleep, is that they value their health and wellbeing. And they consider sleep an integral part of that.
What drew you to specialise in sleep and body-clock?
Sleep is an activity every human engages in; we all have something to say about it. And yet, this experience is very personal. Similarly, we all have a body clock which ticks in a slightly differently in each person. This clock sets the rhythm for sleep but so much more. What I find fascinating is the interplay between sleep, our body clock and our wilful actions, and how this impacts on our wellbeing.
What do you want to see challenged about society’s approach to sleep?
The notion that improving sleep is solely the responsibility of the individual, that it’s all to do with lifestyle choice and stress management. Sure, you have to be willing to look after your sleep and make changes. But if your workplace demands you to work beyond the contracted hours or repeatedly sets tight deadlines with no or very little break times, well even with the strongest will in the world you won’t have the time to get the sleep you need.
What do you wish you had known before you started your practice in this specialist area?
Just how much pressure people put themselves under when it comes to sleep. There is a lot of self-blame for not sleeping well. In our society there is a prevailing notion that we can control everything in our life and our body. But that then also means we are responsible for everything. And when things don’t go well, we think we are failing. Many of my clients talk about failing at sleeping well.
What are you top tips for someone who is experiencing disrupted sleep?
Find out what is causing disruption. The internet is full of quick fixes and yet, for most people who struggle with their sleep on a regular, chronic basis they don’t help.
A better understanding of what is going on and why opens the door to taking the right action to improve your sleep.
For women, causes can include hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or the perimenopause can affect sleep. We have little direct control over these changes other the pill, HRT or perhaps some plant-based supplements. These things can bring some alleviation but often symptoms persist. So what are we to do?
Firstly, acknowledge human, female biology – and the limits of your control over it.
Having said that, of course, your lifestyle matters! Establish regular sleep times which are right for you. By that I mean sleep times that align with your internal body clock. Be mindful of when and how much caffeine and alcohol you consume. Similarly, take a look at your diet and make sure it is balanced and includes plenty of veg.
In my work as a sleep therapist I often see anxiety playing a large part in sleep problems.
This can be related to money worries, or worries about work pressure and performance, or more general anxiety about the cost-of-living crisis, family and relationships.
I help my clients understand what is behind any sleep disruption and then to help them use a mix of therapeutic approaches to tackle and alleviate that.
WEALTH
Describe your relationship with money and personal finance in three words?
Alert | Future-oriented | Relaxed
What is your definition of wealth?
Wealth applies to three areas: financial, knowledge and health.
What is the best financial decision you have ever made?
Invested in a personal wealth manager… And personal perspective South Africa… Investing in myself to help me grow.
What did you learn about finance and money when you were growing up?
I think I learned two things. How one’s effort (to work) and money are related, and to invest money. Money earned by working was not just for spending, it was also to secure the future.
What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever received and what impact did this have on you?
How is this thing you want to buy going to serve you in the future? This question (from my grandma) helps me to assess the short- and long-term value of whatever it is I want to buy.
What tools or systems do you use to manage and organise your personal finances?
My ‘tool’ is a human being. I have a wealth advisor who looks after it all. And I have a pocket calculator.
What is the biggest money lesson you learned through your professional career?
Invest in your career now, and reap the payoffs later.
How often do you talk about money with your friends?
I actually don’t.
What was your first investment, and where is it now?
My first investment since coming to the UK was and still is in a mixed portfolio.
What is your most valued possession?
My engagement ring.
Which area of finance do you wish you knew more about?
Accountancy.
WELLNESS
You work in an area that is fundamental to well-being – what are your favourite ways to take care of your own well-being?
Beginning my day with a cup of tea chatting to my husband, each one of us sharing thoughts about the coming day. This ritual can be repeated in some form during the day, either alone or with him depending on where we both have to work.
I value and gain strength from stillness and yet, I also need to move. Going for a short walk or doing exercise and simply stretching my body help to re-balance my emotional state.
What do you do to relax?
Connecting with nature be that walks or standing on the balcony while allowing my mind to be where it wants to be puts a smile on my face. Also, the simple act of lying down and observing my breath, letting go of the speed with which things ‘need’ to be done give my body and mind the chance to settle and thus relax.
Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
My parents and how they deal with money and investments.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Supporting other women in taking steps to fully live their life and not be held back by fear or avoidance.
What was your first job?
A research assistant collecting behavioural data on sheep – to find out if you can detect BXX from a sheep’s behaviour before it is clinically assessed.
What’s next for you? Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years’ time?
I love learning, personal growth is the most important thing for me. Because that’s what will enable growing my practice. I’d love to write another book focusing on sleep and circadian health of women.
What are you currently reading and listening to?
I recently re-read Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse