The Sleep Coach Podcast

Shelley Simpson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Alternative Health

Improve sleep, restore energy, balance hormones, and wake up restored for the midlife woman

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 9: Why Everything Feels Like Too Much Lately—Emotional Reactivity in Midlife

    Why do small things suddenly feel so big in midlife? In Episode 9, we’re beginning a new series on emotional regulation and exploring why you may feel more reactive, overwhelmed, impatient, or unlike yourself lately. You’ll learn how hormonal changes, chronic stress, poor sleep, mental overload, and nervous-system strain can lower your emotional capacity—and why your reactions aren’t simply a personality flaw or a lack of self-control. In this episode, we’ll discuss: What emotional regulation actually meansWhy your emotional threshold may change during midlifeThe physical and emotional factors behind a shorter fuseHow to identify what may be driving your reactionsA simple pause practice to help you respond more intentionallyYour emotions aren’t the enemy. They’re information—and understanding them is the first step toward feeling more like yourself again. Listen now and begin building a healthier relationship with your emotions. Resources & Links: 🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.thesleepcoachpodcast.com 📲 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellfitmom/ If this episode helped you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another woman who could use a better night's sleep.

  2. Aug 18

    Episode 8: Bloating, Brain Fog & Bad Sleep?

    Have you noticed that foods you’ve eaten for years suddenly don’t agree with you? More bloating, constipation, digestive changes, brain fog—or even changes in your mood and sleep? It may not be a coincidence. In this episode of The Sleep Coach Podcast, we’re moving beyond sleep and diving into what may be happening inside your gut during perimenopause and menopause. You’ll learn how changing estrogen levels may influence your gut microbiome, why your gut bacteria play a role in estrogen metabolism, and what scientists mean when they talk about the estrobolome. We’ll also explore the fascinating gut-brain connection and how your digestive system communicates with your brain, immune system, hormones, and nervous system—and why those connections may matter for your mood, energy, inflammation, and sleep. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why gut health can change during perimenopause and menopauseHow estrogen and your gut microbiome influence one anotherWhat the estrobolome is and why it mattersWhy digestive symptoms may suddenly show up in midlifeHow the gut-brain axis connects digestion, mood, stress, and sleepSimple ways to support a healthier microbiomeIf you’ve been wondering, “Why does my body suddenly react differently to everything?” this episode will help you start connecting the dots. Resources & Links: 🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.thesleepcoachpodcast.com 📲 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellfitmom/ If this episode helped you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another woman who could use a better night's sleep.

  3. Aug 11

    EPISODE 7: Why You’re Still Exhausted After a Full Night’s Sleep

    What if your biggest sleep problem isn't actually happening in your bedroom... but inside your brain? If you've ever climbed into bed exhausted only to have your mind suddenly come alive with tomorrow's to-do list, replay old conversations, or spiral into worry, you're not alone. In this episode of The Sleep Coach, we're digging into why your brain has such a hard time "switching off" during midlife—and what you can do to calm your nervous system before your head ever hits the pillow. You'll learn: ✨ Why your brain feels "stuck on" at night  ✨ The connection between chronic stress, your nervous system, and insomnia  ✨ How perimenopause can amplify racing thoughts  ✨ Simple, science-backed strategies to quiet your mind naturally  ✨ Why calming your body—not forcing sleep—is often the missing piece If you're tired of feeling exhausted but unable to sleep, this episode will help you understand what's happening inside your body so you can begin working with your brain instead of against it. Resources & Links: 🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.thesleepcoachpodcast.com 📲 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellfitmom/ If this episode helped you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another woman who could use a better night's sleep.

  4. Aug 4

    Episode 6: Why Your Nighttime Routine Isn't Working (And What to Do Instead)

    You've bought the magnesium. You've tried the sleepy tea. You dim the lights, stay off your phone, and follow all the "perfect" bedtime advice... So why are you still lying awake? In this episode of The Sleep Coach, Shelley Simpson, Certified Health Coach & Behavior Change Specialist, explains why a nighttime routine alone isn't enough to create deep, restorative sleep—especially during midlife. You'll learn why what happens throughout your entire day has a much bigger impact on your sleep than the last 30 minutes before bed. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why your bedtime routine may be missing the most important pieces • How your nervous system determines whether your body feels safe enough to sleep • The surprising roles of stress, blood sugar, movement, and light exposure in sleep quality • Common bedtime habits that can actually keep your brain alert • Simple, science-backed changes you can make during the day to help your body naturally wind down at night If you've ever wondered, "Why isn't my nighttime routine working?"—this episode will help you stop chasing quick fixes and start supporting your body's natural sleep systems. If this episode helped you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend who could use a better night's sleep. Connect with Shelley: 🌐 https://www.thesleepcoachpodcast.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellfitmom/

  5. Jul 28

    Episode 5: “Why Midlife Women Feel Exhausted All The Time”

    Are you constantly tired—even when you're doing all the "right" things? Maybe you're sleeping more, taking supplements, eating healthier, or your lab work keeps coming back "normal"… yet you still feel completely drained. You're not lazy.  You're not losing your mind.  And you're definitely not alone. In this episode, we're diving into why exhaustion in midlife goes far beyond simply needing more sleep. Your body is changing, your nervous system may be stuck in survival mode, and years of carrying the mental and emotional load can leave you feeling depleted in ways you never expected. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why midlife exhaustion is physical, hormonal, neurological, and emotional—not just "being busy"  ✨ How chronic stress and cortisol create the "tired but wired" cycle  ✨ Why your nervous system may no longer know how to truly rest  ✨ The invisible mental load that quietly drains your energy every day  ✨ How changing hormones affect your ability to recover from stress  ✨ Practical ways to begin restoring your energy by supporting your whole body If you've ever said, "I shouldn't be this tired," this episode is for you. Your body isn't betraying you.  It's communicating with you. Listen in to learn how to stop surviving on stress and start creating a life your body can finally feel safe in. If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to leave a rating and review—it helps more women discover the show. Connect with Shelley: Instagram:  @shellfitmom https://www.instagram.com/shellfitmom/

  6. Jul 21

    Episode 4: Could Your Gut Be Keeping You Awake? The Surprising Gut-Sleep Connection

    If you've been struggling with restless nights, waking up at 3am, bloating, digestive issues, or feeling exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, your gut may be playing a much bigger role than you realize. In this episode, we're exploring the fascinating connection between your gut and your sleep—and why healing one often helps improve the other. You'll learn: Why your gut is often called your "second brain."How your gut bacteria influence sleep, mood, and stress.The surprising role serotonin and melatonin play in getting quality sleep.How inflammation and an unhealthy gut can contribute to insomnia.Simple, practical habits to start supporting both your gut and your sleep naturally.Remember, sleep doesn't happen in isolation. It's influenced by the health of your entire body. When we begin supporting the gut, calming the nervous system, and addressing the root causes—not just the symptoms—we create the conditions for truly restorative sleep. If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a rating and review, and share it with another woman who could use a better night's sleep. Connect with Shelley: Instagram:  @shellfitmom https://www.instagram.com/shellfitmom/

  7. Jul 14

    🎙️ EPISODE 3: Why Your Brain Won’t Shut Off at Night — The Neuroscience of Midlife Insomnia

    Have you ever climbed into bed completely exhausted, only to have your brain replay conversations, plan tomorrow, or spiral into worry at 2 a.m.? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, Shelley Simpson, Certified Health/Life Coach & Behavior Change Specialist, breaks down the fascinating science behind why insomnia becomes so common during perimenopause and menopause. You'll learn how changes in your brain, hormones, nervous system, and stress response can keep you awake—even when you're desperate for sleep. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your brain is wired to prioritize safety over sleepHow your prefrontal cortex and amygdala influence nighttime overthinkingThe role cortisol plays in those frustrating 2–3 a.m. wake-upsHow declining progesterone can make you a lighter, more anxious sleeperWhy staying in "fight or flight" makes it difficult for your body to power downWhy trying to force yourself to sleep often has the opposite effectSimple ways to support your nervous system so your brain feels safe enough to restUnderstanding what's happening inside your body is the first step toward changing it. When you stop blaming yourself and start working with your physiology instead of against it, better sleep becomes possible. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow The Sleep Coach Podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another woman who needs to know she's not alone. Follow Shelley on Instagram: @shellfitmom https://www.instagram.com/shellfitmom/

  8. Jul 7

    EPISODE 2: Tired But Wired — Why You’re Exhausted All Day but Awake at Night

    Episode 2: Tired But Wired — Why You're Exhausted All Day but Awake at Night Do you spend your entire day feeling exhausted, only to find yourself wide awake the moment your head hits the pillow? You're not imagining it—and you're certainly not alone. In this episode of The Sleep Coach, we're unpacking one of the most frustrating sleep patterns women experience during perimenopause and menopause: feeling tired all day but wired at night. You'll learn why this happens by exploring the science behind your body's stress response, cortisol rhythms, nervous system, and changing hormones. More importantly, you'll discover practical strategies to help your body transition from "go mode" into true rest. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you can feel physically exhausted but still struggle to fall asleepHow chronic stress can disrupt your natural cortisol rhythmThe role your nervous system plays in keeping you alert at nightHow daily habits influence your ability to wind downSimple ways to support your body's natural sleep cycleIf you've ever wondered, "How can I be this tired and still not sleep?" this episode will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface—and give you practical steps to begin changing the pattern. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Follow The Sleep Coach and leave a rating and review so you never miss an episode. And if you know another woman who's tired of feeling tired, share this episode with her. Better sleep begins with understanding your body.

  9. Jun 30

    Episode 1: Why You Keep Waking Up at 3 A.M. (and What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You)

    Do you fall asleep just fine, only to wake up around 2 or 3 a.m. with your mind racing—and no matter how hard you try, you can't fall back asleep? If you're a woman over 40, you're not imagining it, and you're definitely not alone. In this first episode of The Sleep Coach, we're uncovering the science behind one of the most common sleep struggles women experience during perimenopause and menopause. You'll learn why those middle-of-the-night wake-ups happen and what's actually going on in your brain, hormones, nervous system, and stress response. In this episode, you'll learn: Why waking up at 3 a.m. is so common during midlifeHow cortisol and your body's stress response can interrupt your sleepThe role hormones like estrogen and progesterone play in staying asleepWhy your nervous system may be keeping your brain on high alertCommon mistakes that can make it harder to fall back asleepSimple strategies to help your body feel safe enough to rest againUnderstanding why you're waking up is the first step toward changing the pattern. Instead of blaming yourself or reaching for another quick fix, you'll begin to understand what your body is trying to communicate—and how to support it naturally. If this episode helps you, be sure to follow The Sleep Coach so you never miss an episode. Better sleep starts with understanding your body.

  10. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Trailer

    Welcome to The Sleep Coach! If you've ever found yourself lying awake at 2 or 3 a.m., exhausted but unable to fall back asleep, you're not alone. In this trailer, you'll meet your host, Health/Life Coach and Behavior Change Specialist, Shelley Simpson, and get a glimpse of what you can expect from The Sleep Coach—a podcast created for women over 40 who are ready to understand why sleep becomes more difficult during midlife and what they can do about it. Each week, you'll learn how hormones, the nervous system, stress, and everyday habits can affect your sleep. You'll also discover practical, evidence-based strategies to help you quiet a racing mind, support your body's natural sleep processes, and wake up feeling more rested. Whether you're dealing with insomnia, waking up at 3 a.m., racing thoughts, or simply wondering why your sleep has changed after 40, this podcast is here to help you stop guessing and start understanding what's happening in your body. Thank you for listening to the trailer. Be sure to hit Follow so you don't miss the first episode, and let's get you sleeping again.

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Improve sleep, restore energy, balance hormones, and wake up restored for the midlife woman

Information

  • Creator
    Shelley Simpson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sleep Coach Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Sleep Coach Podcast