Autoimmune Case Study – Dysregulated Circadian Rhythm

As an Autoimmune Paleo Certified Coach and Holistic Nutritionist, I work with clients who have been diagnosed with autoimmune conditions to support their wellness journeys. Thriving – instead of just surviving – with autoimmune conditions can be complex and a challenge to navigate on your own. The following reflects one such client whose outcome and outlook improved significantly with AIP Coaching.

If this case study speaks to you – or to someone you love – you can find more information about my AIP Coaching Program HERE.

I’m also teaching an in-person class October 16, 2025, Healing Through Nutrition: A Holistic Approach to Autoimmune Wellness through COCC. You can find signup information HERE.

Case Study Introduction

Barbara, a 36-year-old female, was referred to my practice by her naturopathic doctor with diagnoses of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and endometriosis. During her intake, she self-reported being easily overwhelmed, having episodes of anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Her priorities were losing weight, reducing fatigue and improving digestive issues. She was struggling with food sensitivities, skin rashes, fatigue and achy joints and she was clinically obese.

At this time, Barbara was still consuming gluten and dairy daily although she admitted that she knew she felt better much when she wasn’t eating gluten. She was willing and eager to start the Core Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) elimination phase and began tracking her symptoms daily.

Coaching

Barbara signed up for my 12-week AIP coaching program. This consisted of two one-hour appointments, the first for her intake and the second to begin preparing for the Core AIP elimination phase, then 10 weekly 30-minute appointments.

Barbara started eliminating gluten and dairy the first week. She was fully Core AIP compliant by week five. Initially, while she was still struggling with fatigue and brain fog, she reported meal planning was difficult, but if she had meat or poultry and AIP compliant vegetables on hand, she could make dinner and leftovers. Once fully AIP compliant, she had little difficulty staying on the elimination phase.

Stress and sleep were the areas we spent several weeks on. Two people who she was very close to were being treated for cancer. She was to be the maid of honor in a friend’s wedding in a few months. She was feeling overwhelmed with how responsible she felt toward all of these loved ones and was having difficulty setting boundaries. She did not have a consistent bedtime and often felt the most energetic late in the evening – “the best [she’d] felt all day.” She was generally going to bed at midnight and then reading for an hour or two, waking at 10 or 11 am. Sometimes she woke up while sleeping due to hunger.

We discussed adopting habits to reduce stress – breathing and meditation techniques, and setting boundaries, which she was able to do.

Conclusion

While Barbara was able to adopt and maintain the Core AIP elimination phase, dysregulated sleep and stress responses were undermining her wellness efforts. A significant focus of my coaching with her was in these lifestyle aspects.

When she was able to identify triggers in those areas and make significant adjustments, her body found a great deal of alignment. To address sleep hygiene, she replaced her nighttime snack (a bowl of fruit) with a small amount of protein. She established a regular bedtime of 10 pm, installed room darkening blinds and was enjoying a newly purchased salt lamp in her bedroom.

Regarding stress, we discussed the difference between stressful situations we can’t control (cancer) and stress that we may be inadvertently adding to ourselves (pressure to do it all). She was able to set boundaries for herself that allowed her to still help those she loved without pushing herself to the point of feeling overwhelmed.

By the end of our 12-week coaching sessions, Barbara reported more energy on a consistent basis, less anxiety and had incorporated moderate activity on most days. She reported healthier skin with less breakouts during her menstrual cycle and the elimination of heat rashes. And she proudly reported the loss of 13 pounds. She had successfully reintroduced black pepper, green beans, ghee and egg yolks and was feeling confident about continuing reintroductions on her own.