When your days are packed with meetings, carpool duty, errands, dinner prep and maybe just a moment to catch your breath, sleep can feel like the first thing to go.
But here’s the truth: rest isn’t a reward for finishing your to-do list. It’s a requirement for your health.
Sleep is often overlooked in conversations about women’s wellness, but it’s just as important as nutrition and exercise. Quality sleep is tied to everything from mental health and memory to immune strength and hormone balance.
And yet, women are more likely than men to report poor sleep, often due to stress, caregiving responsibilities, or conditions like anxiety, depression and insomnia.
The Mental Load Is Real
For many women, especially those juggling multiple roles, sleep suffers under the weight of the “mental load.” That’s the never-ending list running through your brain: the dentist appointments to schedule, the groceries to grab, the project due tomorrow, the birthday party to plan. Even after the house is quiet, your mind may still be racing.
Chronic sleep deprivation can compound feelings of burnout, anxiety and depression. One of the most important ways to care for your mind is to care for your sleep.
‘Fill Your Own Cup’ Starts with Sleep
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a powerful reminder that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. And sleep is one of the most foundational ways to refill your cup.
Without enough rest, your ability to focus, regulate emotions, manage stress and even make healthy decisions all take a hit. Prioritizing sleep is an act of strength and self-preservation. It helps you show up more fully — in your relationships, in your work and in your life.
Tips for Better Sleep Hygiene
The good news? Small, consistent changes to your nightly routine can make a big difference. Try these simple strategies:
- Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
- Avoid screens at least an hour before bed. Blue light can disrupt your body’s natural sleep signals.
- Create a wind-down routine that tells your brain it’s time to rest: a warm shower, light stretching, calming music or journaling.
- Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary: cool, dark and quiet.
- Limit caffeine and heavy meals late in the day.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re regularly struggling to fall or stay asleep.
Make Sleep Part of Your Wellness Plan
This Women’s Health Month, give yourself permission to rest and recognize it as the health priority it truly is. If you’re having trouble sleeping or want to better understand how sleep is connected to your overall health, your primary care provider is a great place to start.
