44. Why Sleep Gets Harder in Perimenopause (And What Helps)

In this episode of Midlife and Glowing, Alicia and Nicole dive into one of the most common struggles women face in midlife: sleep disruption during perimenopause. If you’ve ever felt exhausted all day but suddenly “wired” the moment your head hits the pillow, you’re not alone.The hosts explore why sleep often changes in midlife and what’s actually happening inside the body during hormonal shifts. From fluctuating estrogen and progesterone to rising evening cortisol levels and blood sugar instability, several factors can make restorative sleep harder to access during this stage of life.But this conversation isn’t about fear—it’s about understanding and support. Alicia and Nicole explain how nervous system regulation, nourishing evening habits, and simple wind-down rituals can help your body transition into deeper, more restorative rest.This conversation aligns perfectly with Sleep Awareness Month, reminding us that sleep struggles in midlife aren’t a personal failure—they’re a signal your body needs a different kind of support.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome to Midlife and Glowing00:36 Why Sleep Gets Harder in Midlife01:35 Hormonal Shifts: Estrogen & Progesterone02:38 Cortisol and the “Tired but Wired” Feeling03:34 Blood Sugar and the 2–4 AM Wake-Up04:24 How Evening Eating Impacts Sleep05:00 The Mental Load of Midlife06:15 What Doesn’t Work for Midlife Sleep07:00 Nervous System Regulation and Sleep07:50 Evening Rhythms & Supportive Rituals08:40 Why You Can Sleep but Still Feel Exhausted10:45 Simple Steps to Start Improving Sleep📌 Resources:🧘‍♀️ Radiant Rest Yoga Nidra Sessions → https://shop.dailyglowlife.com/b/yoganidra📖 Daily Glow Rituals Guide → https://shop.dailyglowlife.com/b/ritualsguideSupport the show👆Thank you so much! 💗Shop our podcast outfits 👉 hereLooking for high quality supplements? We have an online dispensary with high quality options (that we use ourselves!). Check it out 👉here!Find us on:Website: dailyglowlife.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeandglowingPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thedailyglowlife/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifeandglowingDisclaimer: The content shared on Midlife and Glowing is for informational and educational purposes only. While we share tips, tools, and personal experiences around wellness, beauty, and midlife transitions, this podcast is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.We may occasionally mention products or services we love and use ourselves. Some of these may include affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you...