# Episode 595: Waking Up at 3 a.m.? Here's What's Actually Going On (And What to Do About It)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/grace-grit-podcast-991716/episode-595-waking-up-at-3-a-m-here-s-what-s-actually-going-on-and-what-to-do-about-it
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/grace-grit-podcast-991716/episode-595-waking-up-at-3-a-m-here-s-what-s-actually-going-on-and-what-to-do-about-it.md
Podcast: [Grace & Grit Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/grace-grit-podcast-991716)
Published: 2026-07-12T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://graceandgrit.libsyn.com/episode-595-waking-up-at-3-am-heres-whats-actually-going-on-and-what-to-do-about-it
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/graceandgrit/July_12.mp3?dest-id=329309
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/grace-grit-podcast-991716/episodes/episode-595-waking-up-at-3-a-m-here-s-what-s-actually-going-on-and-what-to-do-about-it
Duration seconds: 534

## Resource

If you've ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., wondering why your body suddenly forgot how to sleep, you're not alone. As someone deep in the perimenopausal years, I know firsthand how frustrating middle-of-the-night waking can be. And unfortunately, many of us respond in ways that make the problem worse. In this episode, I break down what's happening biologically, why hormonal shifts often disrupt sleep, and the simple practices that can help you navigate those wakeful hours with a little more ease. Sleep isn't something you force. It's something you create the conditions for. And sometimes the smallest shifts make the biggest difference. Want everything in one place? Join me on Substack for real talk, deeper insights, and the community you didn't know you needed — at https://courtneytownley.substack.com #GraceAndGrit #Sleep #Perimenopause #MidlifeWomen #SleepTips #HormoneHealth #NightWaking #WomensHealth #SleepHygiene #DeepHealth

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## Transcript

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