When “I Can’t Stay Asleep” Becomes a Pattern

If you routinely wake up between 1 and 3 a.m.—mind racing, heart beating faster—it’s not random. Your body’s stress system is talking.

At Sheen Vein Aesthetics and Functional Medicine, we see this nightly pattern in people whose adrenal rhythm is disrupted. It’s the body’s way of signaling that your stress response and blood-sugar control are out of sync.

The Physiology Behind Midnight Stress

During early sleep, cortisol should be low while melatonin peaks. But when chronic stress, caffeine, or unstable glucose are present, cortisol can surge overnight—pulling you abruptly from deep sleep.

Common triggers:

• Adrenal overstimulation (stress, overwork, late exercise)
• Blood-sugar dips from carb-heavy dinners or skipped protein
• Alcohol altering liver glucose output
• Perimenopausal hormone shifts causing nighttime sweats

The Functional-Medicine Sleep Map

We assess:

• Cortisol curve testing (DUTCH or salivary)
• Blood-sugar and insulin patterns
• Thyroid, progesterone, and DHEA levels
• Nervous-system balance (HRV, vagal tone)

Restoring Nighttime Rhythm

1. Stabilize blood sugar: protein + fiber + fat at dinner.
2. Support adrenal recovery: magnesium glycinate, vitamin C, phosphatidylserine.
3. Rebuild circadian rhythm: morning sunlight, limit screens after 8 p.m.
4. Red-light therapy + PEMF: promotes parasympathetic calm and melatonin balance.

Bottom Line

Nighttime awakenings are not “just insomnia”—they’re stress physiology. By addressing the root cause, we restore the body’s natural sleep architecture.

👉 Explore our Functional Medicine Programs and Red-Light Therapy with PEMF for deeper rest and resilience.

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