Not So Sleepless in Seattle

My sisters and I escaped for a much-needed sisters’ weekend in Seattle, and it was every bit as fun as you’d imagine. We don’t get to see each other often enough, with me in Idaho, Amber in Minnesota, and Andrea in Texas. 

We’re each three years apart and look like short, blonde-haired triplets whenever we’re together.

And yes… all three of our names start with the letter A. My mom fully embraced the theme when we were little and made us wear matching flaming red pants ( which she made) with an A on one back pocket and an E (our last name initial) on the other. We'd jump on the bed, dance around our room, and proudly sing songs about our "A's." Looking back, I realize we weren't making a fashion statement; we were making memories.

Fast forward to Seattle. There was nonstop talking, lots of laughter, delicious food, and the kind of conversations that only sisters can have. And for us, no sister trip would be complete without a delicious morning coffee (Seattle never disappoints) and a glass or two of wine in the evening… or late afternoon. No judgment here, that's just how we roll. Happy Hour? Yes, please!

Sleepless in Seattle… or Not Quite

Traveling across time zones always adds an interesting twist. Flying west to Pacific time feels magical, you leave and land at nearly the same hour. Flying home? Not nearly as glamorous.

But the biggest surprise of the weekend was this: we were in bed by 9:30 PM every night.

Partly because, for my sisters, 9:30 felt like 11:30 thanks to the time change. But mostly because we're women in midlife, navigating menopause, and we've learned something we didn't fully appreciate in our younger years: sleep is sacred.

When hormones begin to change, sleep is no longer something we can take for granted. It becomes the foundation for everything else, our mood, metabolism, cravings, blood sugar, cortisol, energy, and how we show up for the people we love.

Early to bed meant early to rise! By 6:00 AM, we were up and ready for the day, heading out for a beautiful walk to my favorite Lake Union coffee shop… with the sun shining. Yes, you read that correctly, the sun was out! Apparently, that’s a rare gift in Seattle. However, I’m convinced the cloudy-rainy reputation is just how they keep people away, because the sun always shines when I visit. ☀️

And I visit often, my daughter has been attending Seattle Pacific University and will graduate in June. That emotional midlife milestone will be a story for another newsletter.

The Nighttime Routine That Made Me Smile Inside

When it was time to cozy up in our beds each night, one of my sisters and I both reached into our bags and pulled out our sleep essentials:

• Face masks
• Ear plugs
• Progesterone
• Magnesium 

I had the cheap Amazon version of a silk facemask and wax earplugs. Amber unpacked what looked like a five-star luxury sleep system, complete with a spa-worthy eye mask and what I can only assume were designer earplugs. But in the end, it didn’t matter. Twenty-five-year-old us would've been searching for the next coffee shop. Fifty-five-year-old us was searching for blackout curtains.

And honestly? I wouldn't trade this version of us for anything.

Because in midlife, the women who thrive are often the women who stop apologizing for taking care of themselves.

I thought I’d share a few of my favorite Midlife Revival tips for better sleep during midlife and menopause.

Whether you’re traveling this summer or sleeping in your own bed, here are a few ways to support restorative sleep:

1. Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Your body loves rhythm. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time, even on vacation- if possible of course! 

2. Get Morning Light Exposure

Step outside within the first hour of waking. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythm and supports melatonin production later that night.

3. Limit Alcohol Close to Bedtime

Wine may make you sleepy initially, but it often disrupts deep sleep and can worsen night sweats or early waking.

4. Cool the Room

A cool bedroom can help reduce hot flashes and improve sleep quality. Think cave-like, dark, and cool.

5. Support Blood Sugar Before Bed

Waking at 2–3 AM can sometimes be tied to blood sugar dips and cortisol spikes. A balanced dinner with protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help.

6. Reduce Evening Stimulation

Lower lights, reduce screens, and give your nervous system cues that it’s safe to wind down.

7. Consider Hormonal Support

For some women, progesterone or other personalized support can make a huge difference. This is where individualized care matters.

Final Thought

There was a time when a girls’ weekend meant staying up all night.

Now it means being in pajamas by 9:00, sharing magnesium, comparing sleep masks, and celebrating whoever packed the earplugs!

Honestly? I think we’re doing it better now.

Sleep well, ladies. Your hormones, and tomorrow's version of you, are counting on it.

💛 Amy