775: Wide Awake at 3 A.M.? What’s Really Disrupting Your Sleep in Midlife with Morgan Adams

If you keep waking up at 2:00, 3:00, or 4:00 AM and can’t fall back asleep, your hormones may only be one piece of the puzzle.

In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with sleep expert Morgan Adams to unpack why sleep can suddenly fall apart in midlife and what you can actually do about it.

Morgan explains three major forces affecting women’s sleep: declining estrogen and progesterone, rising anxiety and depression, and the enormous demands of being part of the “sandwich generation,” often juggling a career, children, and aging parents simultaneously.

They dig into one of the biggest complaints among midlife women: middle-of-the-night wake-ups. From blood sugar dysregulation and overheating to overlooked breathing issues, Morgan reveals why repeatedly waking at the same time deserves a closer look.

You’ll also learn what not to do when you wake up, the cognitive trick that may interrupt 3 AM rumination, why your wearable can’t replace a sleep study, and whether sleeping separately from your partner could actually protect your health and your relationship.

Listen now for practical strategies to finally get the deeper, more restorative sleep your body needs.

MORGAN ADAMS

Morgan Adams is a sleep coach who helps women struggling with insomnia and disrupted sleep improve their sleep using evidence-based behavioral strategies.

Her work includes cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) principles and practical approaches to middle-of-the-night wake-ups, rumination, evening routines, and sleep optimization. In the episode, she also offers listeners a guide specifically for 3 AM wake-ups and an opportunity to connect with her about insomnia support.

IN THIS EPISODE

Why sleep can suddenly fall apart for women in midlife

What “revenge bedtime procrastination” is and why busy women do it

The surprising reasons you may keep waking up around 3 AM

How blood sugar dysregulation may contribute to nighttime wake-ups

Why overheating may be disrupting your sleep even without night sweats

The overlooked breathing problems that can leave healthy women exhausted

What to do when your brain starts spiraling in the middle of the night

Why a “sleep divorce” might actually become a sleep alliance

QUOTES“My big thing is mindfulness snacks.”

“Sleeping separately doesn’t mean the marriage has failed.”

“It’s not a template. It’s really an individualized kind of puzzle that you kinda have to put together for yourself.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

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Awake Again at 3am by Morgan Adams

Morgan Adams Website

Morgan Adams Instagram

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