Women’s Health Unwrapped
Episode 141:
Unlocking the secret to quality sleep in menopause
How well do you really sleep?
“I know how easy it is to put sleep last while you keep everything else going. But you deserve to feel rested, energised and like yourself again—and it starts with small, consistent changes that truly fit your life.”
— Nicola Farndell
“We often think of sleep as this isolated thing that just happens at night—but the truth is, your entire day builds the foundation for how well you sleep. From the moment you wake up, your body is taking cues. So the question becomes: what signals are you sending? Are you supporting rest—or constantly overriding it?”
— Imogen Russell
In this episode of Women’s Health Unwrapped:
Maybe you're one of the many midlife women who’ve found yourself lying awake at 3 a.m., wide-eyed and wired—even though you’re exhausted.
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. In fact, disrupted sleep is one of the most common (and frustrating) shifts many women experience as they move through perimenopause and menopause.
In this episode I’m joined by sleep expert Imogen Russell for a real and practical conversation about why your sleep has changed—and what you can do to feel more rested and in rhythm with your body again. If you’ve been searching for a quick fix, this episode might challenge you. But if you’re ready for a supportive, doable approach that meets you where you are, this one’s for you.
Here’s what we unwrap in this episode:
Why midlife sleep disruption is so common—and what’s really going on behind it.
The role of circadian rhythms and sleep pressure (and how to reset them).
How a good night’s sleep starts in the morning—not just before bed.
What “parenting yourself to sleep” actually looks like (and why it works).
Simple switches you can make to build a wind-down routine that truly supports you.
Why aiming for better—not perfect—sleep is the shift that matters most.
About Imogen Russell:
Imogen is a paediatric sleep consultant and founder of The Little Sleep Company, known for her calm, attachment-focused approach to infant sleep. With a background in education and therapeutic parenting, she works at the intersection of sleep science, parental wellbeing, and responsive care, offering practical, evidence-informed support to families across the UK and beyond.
She has partnered with national retailers like Mamas & Papas as their Resident Sleep Expert, where her content reached almost a million views. Beyond the parenting world, Imogen is increasingly shaping how businesses support working parents, developing workplace wellbeing toolkits and speaking on the link between sleep, performance, and culture. Imogen helps people feel less alone, more empowered, and better rested.
Connect with Imogen:
Get Imogen's Free resources for parents
Struggling with sleep and low energy in midlife?
You are not alone—and you are not broken.
If you’re waking in the early hours unable to drift back off, or dragging yourself through the day feeling foggy and disconnected, it doesn’t have to stay this way.
My free Perimenopause Revival Guide will help you take small, manageable steps to support better sleep, rebuild your energy and feel more like you again—without overwhelm, shame or quick-fix pressure.
Inside, you’ll discover gentle, practical ways to calm your mind, support your body, and create habits that lay the groundwork for more restful nights and brighter days.
Download the free guide now and begin your revival today.
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