“When you wake up at 3 AM, your brain isn’t trying to ruin your sleep — it’s trying to protect you. It thinks you’re in danger.”

Have you ever found yourself wide awake staring at the ceiling, wondering why your body won’t just stay asleep?

You’re not alone—and according to sleep expert Julie Wright, these middle-of-the-night wakeups are often your body’s response to stress, anxiety, and hormone imbalance.

In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, host Donna Ferris speaks with Julie (author of The Natural Sleeper and founder of We Sleep) about what’s really happening inside your brain and nervous system when insomnia strikes in the early morning hours.

If you’ve been Googling:

• Why do I keep waking up at 3AM?
• Is cortisol causing my insomnia?
• How do I calm anxiety at night?
• What should I do when I can’t fall back asleep?

…this episode will give you clarity, comfort, and a toolkit to help you finally rest.

To learn more about Julie’s book, events, and services, please visit wesleep.co.uk.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Julie’s last Episode #31 or Episode #46 “The Art of Being Enough” with Jennifer Schelter.

Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.

Donna’s latest book Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. To join our email list or get a list of upcoming events visit donnayferris.com

Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on her website and on Insight Timer.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

#Sleep #Insomnia #RestorativeSleep #JulieWright #WeSleep #TheNaturalSleeper #SleepHygiene #CircadianRhythm #SleepTips #AnxietyRelief #InsomniaHelp #BetterSleep