Why You’re So Tired but Can’t Sleep in Menopause (and what to do about it)

Victoria L. - Holistic Midlife Strategist
3 days ago
2 min read

The Night I Laid Awake Counting… Not Sheep, But Hours

It was 11:30 PM. Then 1:00 AM. Then 3:42 AM.By 6:15, my alarm went off, and I’d slept maybe two broken hours.

I dragged myself out of bed with burning eyes, a foggy brain, and a body that felt like it weighed 300 pounds. And this wasn’t just one night—it had become the new normal.

If you’re nodding your head right now, you already know: menopause sleep struggles are real.

Why Menopause Wrecks Your Sleep

Sleep disruption is one of the most common (and most frustrating) symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Here’s why:

Hormone shifts → Drops in estrogen and progesterone mess with serotonin and melatonin, your body’s natural sleep hormones.
Night sweats + hot flashes → Your body overheats, forcing you awake.
Anxiety + cortisol spikes → Even if your body is tired, your brain can feel wired.
Blood sugar imbalances → Nighttime crashes can wake you up suddenly and leave you restless.

It’s not “all in your head.” It’s your biology.

My Breaking Point → My Reset

For me, the worst part wasn’t just being tired—it was what the exhaustion did to everything else. My patience was razor thin, my cravings skyrocketed, and my confidence plummeted.

I knew I couldn’t keep living on 4 hours of broken sleep. So I started focusing on calming my nervous system before bed, not just when I was already awake at 2 AM.

That’s how Dreamstate Downloads came to life: meditations, visualizations, and bedtime resets designed to help women in menopause finally rest.

3 Things You Can Try Tonight

If you’re desperate for better sleep, start with these simple shifts:

Shut down screens early → Blue light blocks melatonin production. Aim for 1 hour tech-free before bed.
Try a body scan or guided meditation → This signals your nervous system that it’s safe to rest.
Balance your evening meal → Include protein and healthy fats to avoid blood sugar crashes overnight.

These aren’t quick fixes, but layered together, they can reset your sleep patterns over time.

You’re Not Lazy, You’re Exhausted

When you’re struggling to get out of bed or forgetting the simplest things, it’s not because you’re failing—it’s because your body isn’t getting the rest it needs.

You deserve more than survival mode. You deserve to wake up rested, clear, and energized.