03/30/2026
Many women begin waking up between 2AM and 4AM during perimenopause, and it can feel completely random.
You fall asleep normally, but suddenly you’re awake in the middle of the night and can’t easily fall back asleep.
One reason this can happen involves the body’s stress hormone, cortisol.
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone help regulate many systems in the body, including the daily rhythm of cortisol. When these hormones begin fluctuating during perimenopause, cortisol patterns can change as well.
If cortisol spikes overnight, it can trigger sudden wake-ups — which is why so many women find themselves staring at the ceiling around 3AM.
Sleep disruption is one of the most common experiences during hormonal transitions, but understanding what’s happening can make it feel less confusing.
We’ll continue sharing education about hormone changes and what women commonly experience during perimenopause.