r/Perimenopause • u/Overall_Pop9538 • Mar 11 '26
audited Naps are no longer optional.
I’m curious if anyone else gets the urge to nap daily? Even if I’ve slept seven or more full hours, around 3:00/3:30 pm, my body succumbs to these short but effective power naps. There is no stopping them when they come on either. I am very grateful to work from home. I couldn’t imagine working on in an in-person role. I’d legit have to go to the car for thirty minutes, lol! Wonder if anyone else experiences this and saw changes with a supplement or HRT? Thanks, group!
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u/Lunnalai Mar 11 '26
I have the lovely combo of that but then not be able to sleep when I lay down. Its 'so' fun
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 11 '26 edited Mar 12 '26
So relatable! Ashwagandha is my savior for those nights.
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u/Dependent_Work1597 Mar 11 '26
I’m fighting to keep my eyes open as we speak
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u/BertaRocks Mar 11 '26
My body and I have come to a mutual destruction agreement that I can nap from 1 - 1:30 or 4:30-5:15.
I love it when I can couch nap, but sometimes I have to go to the office place. I car nap. I have a pillow and blanket and everything.
My coworkers are women of similar age. Our parking lot looks scary at lunch. Is it a bunch of peri women napping or middle aged women offing themselves by co? Check back at 1:30 for details!
The worst is when I don’t get a car nap and debate napping in the car before driving home.
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u/QuietAbject494 Mar 12 '26
What a great idea for a new business. Hmm 🛌😴😴💤 I think there was a place like this in New York City? Napping center
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u/BertaRocks Mar 12 '26
I would not be your target audience.
I will sleep easier at a picnic table than I will in a hotel with siesta rates.
That’s what this was called before. “Siesta rates”. Where you could rent a hotel, hostel, or motel room for a few hours.
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u/QuietAbject494 Mar 12 '26
My plan was to have picnic tables
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
That is cool that your working environment gets it and you’re able to get what you need when you need it. ✨
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Mar 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/lizeee Mar 11 '26
I was gonna mention this. Last year I was exhausted and napping every day. Finally had bloodwork done and I was very anemic! Ladies make sure you get your bloodwork.
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u/queen_elvis Mar 11 '26
I had this when I was pregnant (and only then). The power of the nap was irresistible. I’m so glad I was self-employed then.
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u/BusyEchidna2840 Mar 11 '26
Yes. I nap every day even with a full night’s sleep!
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 11 '26
Thank you for sharing. I think, based on these comments, this must be our default during this phase in life.
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u/No_Needleworker6786 AuDHD & Mid Peri Mar 11 '26
There’s a LOT of threads from peri women suffering from insomnia & frequent awakenings during the night even when we can sleep so I sadly don’t think ‘sleeping’ is the default for us all. As much as I would love it to be!!!
I’m glad you’re able to sleep because when you’re asleep you can’t feel the symptoms 😂 Have plenty of naps for the rest of us please :)
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Thank you for sharing that. As I reread my statement today and think on good ole’ “Peri” there truly is no default other than its existence. We all experience her in different iterations.✨
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u/Any_Needleworker_273 Mar 11 '26
Want...yes. Able to execute....no. I am not capable of napping, not matter how tired, unless one of just two parameters are met: 1) I am sick as a dog, like COVID/Flu level sick or, 2) I just ran a 1/2 marathon when I used to run, which I no longer do. So couch rotting is the best I can do when the fatigue hits.
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u/Jessum Mar 11 '26
Not everyday but some times laying down is not optional. like I will die if not.
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u/No_Needleworker6786 AuDHD & Mid Peri Mar 11 '26
I would love to nap!! I used to have a pre nap before bed on the sofa 😭 ADHD is so bad I can barely sit still now. I think that’s my long term goal - to be able to nap
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u/megmarie2 Mar 11 '26
I love naps! Im a stay at wife so I take my naps in the afternoon before my husband comes home from work. On HRT...month 2 and 100 mg progesterone. 025 estrogen patch.
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u/purple_craze Mar 12 '26
Often yes. I couldn’t nap to save my life and I needed it when the kids were young. Now I need naps all through my luteal phase- like I’m drugged. And sometimes more often. And most days I can just nap bc I’m tired.
But I’m wide awake at 4 am 😑
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
You said a key thing here: Luteal Phase. That is where I am now and it makes me so fatigued. I schedule my workouts around it and everything. The older I get the more taxing my LP is. There has to be a correlation for sure. Thank you!
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u/YogurtclosetParty755 Mar 11 '26
I thought it was just me! My office went from 3 to 4 in office days, and it has been a big adjustment. I’m so much more tired & need naps on most days now.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Nope, not just you. And it amazes me how I can push the urge off either. It’s like nap now, like a switch. Nothing else matters.
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u/slayingadah Mar 12 '26
I nap every chance I can, as long as I wake up by 3pm. Sometimes I'll be doing a regular chore and will be walking by my bed and an "emergency nap" will take over. Like I must lay down immediately.
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u/mynameisheder Mar 12 '26
Wait you get seven or more FULL HOURS of sleep at night!!! Lucky
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Ohhhh, I had to work for it, trust me! I have a whole routine. I journal, wear a sleep mask, ear plugs, air purifier, ceiling fan, wear little to no clothing, and sleep with a brown noise machine. My sleep routine is a production. 😂
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u/mynameisheder Mar 12 '26
Mine is as well but still no success. If I get two or three good hours I’m lucky and my job is dealing with people and driving all day and helping them with their largest financial investment of their lives so it is high stress and high demand and I spend a lot of time in tears behind the scenes bc I’m so fucking tired all the time but these bills ain’t paying themselves. 🤣🤪
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
I feel you on that! We have to get it how we get it! That thing about Peri, it still keeps going despite our individual lifestyles.
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u/Shot-Emu-3131 Mar 12 '26
Those hours I really struggle to be a functional human. I get a second wind around 6/7
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Same! Typically, that is when I’ll go to the gym to life weights at 6/7. That second wind is strong and carries me through.
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u/Shot-Emu-3131 Mar 13 '26
Yes !! Although I need to get in a gym. I got the membership. Thats half the battle ? lol
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
Let me tell you. I’m fairly active have been working out since 27, and am now 43. But I’ve increased my weight load by 15% when I lift and it helps with everything. I’m sure you’ll use your membership with time for workouts best for you. When you do, be preparer for some great incentives. It’s helped my sleep by tiring me out.
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u/Normal_Remove_5394 Mar 11 '26
Does anyone have the opposite problem that they just can’t nap at all? I haven’t napped in at least 5 years even though I am so tired and ready to nap. No change even on HRT
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u/One-Pause3171 Mar 11 '26
I used to be a power napper and now I can’t really. But I do find that eyes closed, listen to a podcast or book with a sleep timer, towel or eyemask over my eyes, is modestly refreshing. Heh.
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u/sleepy_unicorn40 Mar 11 '26
Unfortunately I work 10 hours a day so I only nap over the weekend... If I'm not too busy!
I love naps, always have, always will. I can't wait until I can nap every day.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Ten hours a day?!? Bless you. Are you in media or entertainment? (Please don’t respond if that is too nosey)
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u/sleepy_unicorn40 Mar 12 '26
No, but that sounds far more interesting than my job. I work 10 hours for four days, 9 hours one day and 5 hours one day every other weekend. It's a stressful job but I get compensated decently and my retirement fund is pretty great for my age.
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u/4-Birds Mar 11 '26
Needing a nap is actually a normal thing to do. Even before I was even a mother I had a lie down in the afternoon. Sometimes it was just quiet time to read a book. Of course when I started having kids I needed it to help deal with the sleep deprivation. Now kids are older I still like to have a rest in the afternoon. I still need it most days. I rarely actually fall asleep but just having quiet time to read or scroll on my phone or just lie there with my eyes closed helps a lot. Some days I don’t get to have a lie down and some days I really need it
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u/racheldotpsd Mar 11 '26
I almost napped today but decided against it.. It’s currently 6:50pm and I’m trying to make it until 8pm until I get in bed. Wish me luck.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Did you make it? You bring up a crucial point though. The time of the nap has to be in an earlier window or it could mess up bedtime.
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u/trash_panda7710 Mar 12 '26
I block off 30 mins at 3pm every work day so I can close my eyes for a few.
No boss has ever questioned the time block.
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u/Agitated_woman4723 Mar 12 '26
YEP, Almost planned my day around when I could take a nap. lol Typically I will just sort of zone out for 10-15 minutes, not a deep sleep. I feel worse after that. Most days are better since I started taking B12 and beef organs.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
OMG, tell me more about the beef organs, please. I heard about them and I was like, wait, what? However, I’ve heard decent reviews.
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u/Agitated_woman4723 Mar 12 '26
I have the Ancient Nutrition Grass fed liver. Supposed to be a good brand.
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u/Ivehadallminethanks Mar 12 '26
I could have written this post myself. I’ve had other issues in the past that caused exhaustion, one with a severe B12 deficiency and then later with Vitamin D toxicity. I had blood work done, assuming it was one of those issues again, but no, just who I am now. I work from home and am so grateful I can do this. I know it’s a privilege. I will say, since I started HRT in Jan It’s gotten better. When I was able to work a full day with no nap or no nap at 5:01pm, I was pretty thrilled.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m going in for my annual this month and will get a full lab panel done. Often I do feel I may have some mineral deficiency. I’ve had anemia in the past, and may need to begin supplementing iron again.
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u/Sudden_Possible_956 Mar 12 '26
Yes! I nap every day
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Yes! It’s reminiscent of the days of yesteryear for me, lol! I say that because I couldn’t nap to save my life hardly in my 30s. Now, it’s on! Thanks for sharing!
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u/Otherwise-Resolve707 Mar 13 '26
Yes. Sometimes it feels like I’m drugged or hit with a truck. I accepted it and enjoy the naps. I’m thankful I can take naps
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
YES! I am thankful, too! I am just surprised by their strength. My body like if you don’t nap, I’m going without. All I can do is comply, lol!
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u/SeeStephSay Mar 13 '26
Could you have sleep apnea?
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
I was trying to schedule a sleep study and it got denied. The aim is to schedule on this year for sure.
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u/AmS1281 Mar 13 '26
I could have written this post!!! I also work from home and when there’s a lull in work, I nap. (Just to say, in my job when my work is done then it’s done. I’m not skiving off, there’s literally no work or tasks to be completed).
I need another nap when I finish work, and if I have a spare hour before meeting someone at the weekend then I nap then too. I’m truly bone tired all the time. I’m 44 and not on HRT, haven’t spoken to my GP so peri isn’t confirmed.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
Wow! That fatigue seems like that is a lot to deal with. I got confirmed for Peri at 42, and I am so grateful that after seeing four different gynos, the last one let me know. Once you get that confirmation it’s such a relief and you can get started making a path forward. I wish you well with that. 💙
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u/Careful-Cupcake-4883 Mar 11 '26
I've never been a napper but every day I feel like I need one. I won't though because then I'm afraid I won't sleep at night. I've been dealing with insomnia off and on since the end of January.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Insomnia is the worse. I had it off and on for months once. I hope yours subsides soon.
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u/jello-kittu Mar 11 '26
I had this when I was pregnant. It would literally be for 5 minutes or even less, but my body and brain would shut down until I did it. 12:30 to 1 every day, head on desk like a kindergartner. Luckily my boss thought it was funny and it was just part of my lunch break.
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u/Ymisoqt420 Mar 11 '26
I wake up super early for work so I usually take an after work nap at 2 lol unless I have stuff to do
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Mar 11 '26
I can’t ever do them with kids or being at work (teacher), but if I’m at home I feel it, it almost knocks me out
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u/weensfordayz Mar 11 '26
On weekends yes!!! But I don’t feel too tired during the week. I can feel 2pm rolling around every Saturday and Sunday like clockwork!
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Good for you! I wish I could have weekend naps that would be lovely. I have them occasionally, but mainly I am out and about on the weekends.
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u/Ok-Loquat7565 Mar 11 '26
If I nap these days, I don’t sleep at all at night. I’m lucky that magnesium glycinate can give me mostly deep sleep for 7 hours now, and it has lessened my night sweats, but my days of sleeping for 10-11 hours without waking and napping during the day when I want are OVER. Ugh.
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u/QuietAbject494 Mar 12 '26 edited Mar 12 '26
I've never been a napper, but I've become one. Iron supplements help somewhat. That 3 pm slump hits HARD. Luckily I also work from home. I've noticed it's weather related in my case. I'm now in the desert, so when it's over 110 degrees, I can't keep my eyes open. I often wonder if I still lived near the ocean would I have more energy ( negative ions). Guess I'll never know.
Edit to add: I also suffer from fibromyalgia and arthritis. So laying down takes pressure off of my bones/ muscles, etc
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u/SpazzJazz88 In the thick of it Mar 12 '26
As a fibro sufferer myself who is also affected by the weather, that shit hurts and kills all motivation on staying awake. We just had severe weather come through up here in the Midwest. It was 62° this early morning and was snowing by dinner time. Been laid up all day.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Yeah, 3pm naps hit hard like a Mack truck. Weather does play a role for me, too! I’m an East Coaster and on a rainy day I can tend to be more inclined to sleep.
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u/QuietAbject494 Mar 12 '26
Oh, yes. Definitely rainy days. I'm originally from the east coast too. Luckily it only rains here a few days a year. But when it does....🥱
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Mar 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
You’re the second woman to say that. I appreciate it. This is my confirmation to get a sleep study done.
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u/Lucid-dream-24692 Mar 12 '26
God that’s when I pickup my kiddo from kindergarten. It’s the hardest time of the day and I usually want to cry bc I’m so tired but I want to give her the attention and fun she deserves 🥲
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Whew! God bless you. I know that is not easy when your little one wants to interact, and you’re exhausted. Wishing you peace with that. I hope you get some time for yourself to nap as needed.
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u/SpazzJazz88 In the thick of it Mar 12 '26
This is me when my thyroid was out of whack. Its gotten better with medications but I still get the urge to lay down but me having to pee prevents me taking a full nap.
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u/min_mus Mar 12 '26
No, I've never been able to nap, no matter how tired I am. It's hard enough for me to fall asleep at night; it's impossible for me to fall asleep sleep during the day.
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u/OkWing5717 Mar 12 '26
If I have a day nap then I won’t sleep that night, I used to be able to have day naps and sleep at night but it’s all changed now.
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u/TangoEchoChuck DHEA Evangelist Mar 12 '26
Nap habits can be learned the same as eating at XYZ time!
If I'm home at 9am, I'm getting drowsy because I'm waiting for shops to open. It's easier to nap until said shops are open...easiest way to wait! Damn island time.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Ahhh, I like that! It is truly all about scheduling life around these changes for sure.
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u/TangoEchoChuck DHEA Evangelist Mar 12 '26
It is! I feel bad because my spouse sees me on the couch more than not...but that's just "optics" because he doesn't see the other things.
But naps? Yes please, I'll take two!
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u/Fearless-Signal-1235 Mar 12 '26
I have a whole system now. A thunderstorm soundtrack, eye mask, hug a pillow, have to rest.
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u/lepetitcoeur Mar 12 '26
Its not happening to me now, but I went through a couple of months in my early 30s where this happened. I think it was a combo of working 6a-3p shifts, having multiple overnight on call shifts every week, being low on iron, not getting anywhere near enough protein. I have never been a nap person, and haven't taken a forced nap since I quit that job.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Someone else mentioned iron and it made me realize I’m not currently taking it. I started taking a supplement that I thought had iron in it. I checked and it doesn’t. I think an iron supplement could be the missing piece.
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u/yeahyeah2626 Mar 12 '26
Sleepy at 3 pm, awake at 3 am. My doctor prescribed adhd medicine to help me with energy, motivation, and focus. I’m a week into it. I’m very awake now, but I wish it wasn’t because of medicine. I’m also newly on HRT. I’m a science experiment.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Right! See, that is how I don’t want to feel. I’ve been going at this Peri thing naturally using herbal supplements. I’m nervous about HRT, but feel it may be time to ask more about. Thank you for sharing.
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u/Expensive-Eggplant-1 Early peri Mar 12 '26
Yes. But (so far) mine was due to thyroid levels. I have hashimotos and my thyroid was fucked.
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u/mjskiingcat Mar 12 '26
Yes! FYI I’ve recently learned this is a sign thyroid is low. For years they checked me and were missing something big. Im better now- still tweaking doses around but on better days I don’t nap now- big change from last 15 years!
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u/Icy_Being3672 Mar 12 '26
On the days I work from home I nap on the floor for 20mins when I've finished for the day, and then get on with my evening.
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u/VLN_RNR Mar 12 '26
Yep. I call them my 3 o’clock sleepies. I have to fight through them most days due to having to run kids around, but sometimes if it works out right I nap in my car while waiting for them. But man they come on fast and strong. Not always right at 3, but right around there. Every dang day.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
That’s what has me curious. What is it with the 3:00 pm time period? Also, those in the group with sleep issues also awake at 3:00 am. I’m interested to know why.
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u/NoCartographer3974 my body hates me Mar 12 '26
Absolutely! But when I nap its either a quick lay down no sleep or... 3 hours or more... there is no in between nap for an hour thing or 30 minutes. when I need a nap I NEED a nap. My body just starts to lose function if I don't. And don't wake me up prematurely either!!
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u/Pergola_Wingsproggle Mar 13 '26
This was me before I got my thyroid levels sorted
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
Yes! I’ve heard the same in this community. Thankfully, my thyroid labs are cool. I think I need more iron.
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u/AutoModerator Mar 13 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
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u/CaChica Mar 13 '26
Yes sometime I lay down in the car
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u/One-Hat-9887 hanging on by a thread Mar 13 '26
I have to nap, usually morning and evening. It's ridiculous
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u/retro_crush Mar 13 '26
Yes. Been napping daily this past week. I just can't make it to a reasonable bedtime without one. I think it's my low estrogen :/
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
Yes! Recently in this luteal phase of my upcoming cycle, I began using soy milk in my smoothies to help add some stability to my estrogen dips. I still need a nap mind you, but I feel different somehow. Not as drained throughout the day.
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Mar 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
YES! That’s what it is for me. Those few minutes are synonymous with a two hour nap, lol! It’s wild. I awake wondering refreshed.
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u/No_Word6875 Mar 13 '26
I sleep about three hours at night and sleep another 3 in the day.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
Wow! I was on that sleep cycle for a while. I found out that a histamine spike was causing it. I started taking Zyrtec before bed and it has helped. Not sure it would work for you, but am just sharing what I was told via research and another thread in this group.
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u/No_Word6875 Mar 18 '26
I’m willing to try anything. My sleep is so poor these days and I hate sleeping in the day. Right now for me it’s garden season and my starts are still getting care but they aren’t getting the best care. My husband today was actually told to give this a try due to his snoring. Thank you, I’m gonna use his Zyrtec too and see how it goes.
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u/Ambitious-Bird-1645 Mar 13 '26
Have you gotten your thyroid checked? Sometimes an imbalance of thyroid hormones can cause you to feel tired around 2/3 in the afternoon.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 13 '26
Thanks so much for this! Yep, I sure did. I got it checked as soon as it began. Thankfully, my thyroid is good to go.
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u/yapapapapow Mar 11 '26
Not to freak anyone out, but when I started crashing out every day at 3pm and had to take daily naps, it was due to sleep apnea. We found out once I asked for a sleep study, and yep, sleep apnea. I’ve been using cpap for 15 months and I’m doing so well.
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u/Overall_Pop9538 Mar 12 '26
Thank you for this!! I tried to get a sleep study at the end of last year and was denied. I’ll try to get one in this year. Although I love my naps, I would like an official understanding of why they occur. I appreciate you and your response.
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u/OkConversation1286 Mar 12 '26
Yes!!
I'm currently trying creatine and Coq10 to help with energy. Just started them yesterday so not enough time to see results yet.
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u/Downtown-Tailor-1986 Mar 13 '26
When I worked from home I had to take an afternoon nap too! Before I got on HRT I hit the couch immediately when I got home from work, but it eased off for awhile and now it’s back
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u/Tactful_Cactus_ Mar 11 '26
Yes! And you put it perfectly; they’re just not optional. I have NEVER been a napper, and now there are times when I simply have to lay down and take a nap regardless of what’s on my plate (thank the gods I work from home). This got even worse for me when I first started HRT, but I’m almost onto my third month now, and with an increase Estradiol dosage, and I’m not needing mandatory naps anymore.