A Truth About Sleep No One’s Talking About:

Why You’re Awake at 3:30am

Did you know that up to 60% of perimenopausal and menopausal women suffer from sleep dysregulation? And it’s not only women – over 1 in 3 men over 50 are dealing with sleep disruption, too.

No wonder we humans are occasionally cranky. 😅

Earlier this month, I started waking up routinely at 3:30 or 4 in the morning, unable to fall back asleep. My brain was a whirling dervish of to do’s, what ifs, and WTF is wrong with the people running governments around the world?

Is my empathic heart waking me up as I grieve the suffering around the globe? Perhaps, yes. Thankfully the hot flashes have subsided. Should I have said no to a handful of popcorn at work? Doubtful.

For while stress, shifting hormones, and what I choose to consume each day can influence my sleep, there’s something else at play here.

Is Your Body Trying to Get Your Attention?

After 54 years living in this body, I have come to respect that my wise body is saying, hey, lady, over here!

For me, about 90% of the quality of my sleep is tied to the quality of my exercise and how I move my body. You may relate, because research confirms that regular exercise can improve sleep quality in the majority of adults struggling with sleep.

Admittedly, I was very lazy this winter, blaming a sore knee for my lack of motivation to go to yoga class or follow a video at home. I would also blame the lack of space in my apartment and my schedule juggling entrepreneurship, working as a nurse part-time, doing homework for my FNP, and helping my mom.

There was always an excuse.

Our bodies are meant to be moved, not just around the kitchen to make another cup of tea, or running from task to task while stressed, but joyfully challenged. I love taking meandering walks with my dog out in nature, but if I go long enough without challenging my body in some way, my sleep starts to suffer.

If you are struggling with sleep, I urge you to challenge yourself.

It Doesn’t Have to be Extreme

Challenging yourself doesn’t mean getting your heart rate into the danger zone or taxing your aching joints. It doesn’t mean going to a 90-minute class when your body can only tolerate 60 minutes.

This isn’t about chasing some version of “perfection” or what we think we should be doing. It’s about listening for what your body is actually asking for—and honoring that.

It doesn’t have to be every day or even every other day. It’s simply needs to be enough. Whatever that means for you.

Take the Time to Listen

Have a conversation with your body. See what she wants. See what she needs. See what she’s asking for.

And then dance with her.

That’s where the shift happens.

How are you getting your sweat on these days?

Comment below and share your favorite ways—I love hearing what’s working for you.

And if the first thought that comes up is, I don’t have time… you’re not alone.

In my next blog, I’ll share a few simple ways to start making space for this—without feeling like you’re neglecting everything else that matters.

Lots of love,

Jennie

P.S. If movement feels hard right now because of an injury or mobility issue, comment below or send me a quick email. I have another idea that can support your sleep beautifully.