Menopause, Insomnia, and Why Trying Harder to Sleep Can Backfire with Sharon Pendlington

In this episode of Why Can’t I Sleep?, I’m joined by Sharon Pendlington, a menopause and nervous system specialist, to talk about why sleep can become so much harder during perimenopause and menopause. Sharon shares her own experience with years of disrupted sleep, brain fog, memory changes, and the fear that can build when sleep starts to feel unpredictable. We also talk about one of the biggest ironies of insomnia: the harder you try to force sleep, the more alert and frustrated you can become. We cover menopause-related sleep changes, stress and arousal, mindfulness, self-compassion, middle-of-the-night wakefulness, and the difference between getting meaningful support and constantly searching for the next sleep fix. If you’re dealing with menopause, insomnia, sleep anxiety, or that exhausted-but-wired feeling, this conversation offers a gentler way of understanding what may be happening. About Sharon: Sharon Pendlington supports women through menopause with a focus on nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and practical strategies for managing stress and sleep. Instagram: @sharonpendlington Website: sharonpendlington.com About Tony: I’m Tony Ho, MSW, RSW, a sleep therapist and registered social worker specializing in insomnia. I use approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Insomnia to help people worry less about sleep and build a healthier relationship with it. Find me everywhere: @quadrawellness Website: quadrawellness.com If this episode resonates, follow the podcast and share it with someone navigating sleep changes during perimenopause or menopause.