Struggling with sleep in midlife?

You’re doing everything “right.”
You’ve cut back on sugar, started walking more, maybe even swapped your evening scroll for a book. But the 3 a.m. wake-ups still come—and you’re left wondering, Why can’t I just sleep?

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know this:
You’re not doing anything wrong.
You’re not broken.
Your sleep has shifted because you have shifted.

And now, it’s time to gently shift with it.

In a recent episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped, I sat down with sleep consultant Imogen Russell to explore why sleep often feels harder in midlife—and what we can actually do about it.

This isn’t about miracle cures or fancy supplements. It’s about understanding your body, tuning in to what it needs now, and building small, meaningful habits that support the rest you deserve.

Nancy’s story: early menopause and a wake-up call

Nancy was diagnosed with osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) after entering menopause at 43. She had all the classic midlife responsibilities—children, career, a packed diary—and, like so many of us, had put herself at the bottom of the list.

That diagnosis was her turning point.

She began walking every day, lifting weights, adjusting her nutrition, and learning how to work with her body instead of against it. She focused on sleep, recovery, and consistency—not perfection. And today, her bone health has improved without needing medication.

Let’s be honest—menopause is still a bit of a taboo in many workplaces. It’s something whispered about rather than openly discussed, yet for millions of women, it’s a daily reality that affects how they feel, think, and perform at work. I’ve spoken to so many women who’ve told me that brain fog, anxiety, or sheer exhaustion have made them doubt their own abilities.