Lying awake when you’re desperate for deep rest can be frustrating—especially when you’ve tried the usual suspects: white noise machines, blackout blinds, cutting caffeine, even a new mattress. But if nothing’s working, the root cause may lie in a more subtle but powerful system—your hormones. Hormones govern far more than we often give them credit for, and supporting a healthy hormonal balance may be the missing piece to achieving more restorative, uninterrupted sleep.

What do hormones have to do with sleep?

Hormones act as regulators for nearly every function in the body—including sleep. When key hormones fall out of balance, the consequences can extend beyond energy levels to impact mood, mental clarity, metabolism, and crucially, sleep quality. Supporting hormonal health can directly impact how easily you fall asleep, how deeply you sleep, and how refreshed you feel when you wake.

Hormonal imbalance can make it harder to fall and stay asleep

Your body’s sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, is closely linked to hormonal signals. Specific hormones rise and fall throughout the day to prepare your body for rest—or to keep you alert. When these signals are disrupted, you may find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get the deep sleep your body needs.

Some examples of hormone influence on sleep:

• Melatonin: Often referred to as the sleep hormone, melatonin rises at night to cue your body for rest. When levels are suppressed—whether from screen exposure, stress, or imbalance—sleep onset becomes more difficult.

• Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol naturally peaks in the morning and drops in the evening. But when cortisol is elevated at night, it interferes with melatonin production, leading to shallow, disrupted sleep. Research confirms that nighttime cortisol elevation can reduce sleep quality.

• Progesterone: This hormone plays a critical role in promoting restful sleep and regulating breathing patterns. As progesterone declines—especially during menopause—individuals may experience increased wakefulness, night sweats, or sleep apnea. In fact, there is a known correlation between progesterone fluctuation and sleep disturbances such as apnea.

A lack of sleep disrupts your hormonal balance even further

Unfortunately, the relationship between sleep and hormones is bi-directional. Poor sleep doesn’t just result from hormonal shifts—it can also exacerbate them.

Many hormones are produced, or follow patterns of release, during sleep. When sleep is limited or disrupted, this can suppress production and throw the entire hormonal system off rhythm.

Support Hormonal Improvement to Experience Deeper, More Restful Sleep

Improving hormonal function can lead to meaningful, measurable changes in your sleep and overall well-being. Many individuals pursuing hormone support at Philosophy MD report:

• Increased energy and stamina throughout the day

• Sharper mental clarity and cognitive performance

• More consistent, deeper sleep cycles

• Enhanced mood stability

• Strengthened libido and physical performance

These improvements are possible through a highly individualized and evidence-informed approach.

Physician-Led Hormone Optimization at Philosophy MD

Philosophy MD’s Hormone Optimization Program is led by Dr. Matt Carere, a physician specializing in hormone health and personalized medicine. Our approach is rooted in data-driven diagnostics and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Your program begins with a physician consultation to understand your health history, lifestyle, and sleep concerns. We then conduct comprehensive testing—including advanced bloodwork and metabolite analysis—to establish a clear picture of your hormonal function.

Using this data, Dr. Carere and our medical team develop a plan that supports your sleep and energy goals while prioritizing safety and sustainable results. Unlike one-size-fits-all hormone programs, ours is tailored to your unique biology and monitored with clinical oversight.

Learn more about Hormone Optimization here and book a consultation to explore how supporting your hormonal health could improve your sleep, focus, energy, and long-term wellbeing.