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.

Do you wake up feeling ready to start your day each morning? How about waking up feeling like you’ve had such a good sleep you are so energised and focused?

If your mornings are not quite as bright as you’d like them to be, maybe it’s your bedtime routine. Having a consistent bedtime routine isn’t only for babies and kids. If it works for them, why would it not work for adults too? Helping your brain and body to unwind and prepare for sleep every evening is a great way to invest in your overall health and wellbeing. It will improve your health now, but also, and maybe more importantly, as you age.

The physical act of sleep takes up around one-third of our lives - if you’re getting enough!

So why do so many of us knowingly deprive ourselves of getting enough or the right type of sleep?