Tired? Let’s just say it out loud… You slept. Not perfectly.
But enough. And yet…
- You wake up tired
- You hit a wall by 2pm
- You feel like you need a nap just to survive dinner
What is going on??
So many mom friends wear “Tired,” like a badge of honor. In America, it feels like a pull to burn the candle at both ends. Hustle culture screams, “Jam, more into the day.”
Have you noticed this or is it just me? Busy is another bragging right. My take is that if we are constantly on, no matter why rested is a rare commodity.
The truth of the matter is…
You’re not broken, definitely not a slacker…
And no… you don’t just “need more sleep.”
Something much deeper may be going on.
Cough, cough: slow down. Read a book, rock in a rocking chair. Maybe even sip tea! Think of our grandparents and great grandparents generations. They weren’t stressed like this generation tends to be…
Why you feel tired even after sleeping (big possibility)…
Let’s keep this simple. There are usually 5 main reasons:
1. Your body never actually relaxed. You may have slept…
But your body stayed in stress mode all night. I think this one may just be an epidemic.
This is the “tired but wired” cycle, the kind where you never get into the restorative rest our bodies need.
Signs:
Waking between 2:00-4:00am to. pee
Waking to check your phone in the middle of the night, “Hello. Addiction?”
Rolling around, slightly sleeping, while actively focusing thoughts on a real life matter…
Research shows chronic stress can disrupt sleep quality
—even if you’re technically asleep. Totally sucks. Been there, done that. Ugh.
2. Blood sugar swings. If your blood sugar is all over the place:
- you crash mid-day
- you feel shaky or foggy
- your energy is unstable
This is HUGE for moms. Especially the ones who cram food in while driving, often do not get a whole meal, etc.
Let me just say with a son with Type 1 Diabetes, protein is our friend in this situation. Protein helps stabilize blood sugar.
3. Hormone shifts. Especially if you’re in:
- your 30s
- your 40s
- or beyond
Hormones can affect:
- sleep quality
- energy
- mood
Even subtle shifts can leave you feeling drained.
Signs like:
- Acne
- Night sweats
- Painful cycles
- Awful PMS
- Weight gain or loss for no reason
- Difficulty maintaining warmth
4. Poor sleep quality (not just quantity) – this is similar to the #1.
You can sleep 8 hour…but if it’s broken, light, or restless?
You wake up exhausted, sadly. According to sleep research, quality matters more than just hours.
A 2016 review published in the journal Sleep stated:
“Sleep quality may be just as important, if not more important, than sleep duration in predicting future health.”
5. No daily rhythm
Your body LOVES patterns. But most of us are:
- skipping meals
- staying up late
- overstimulated all day
- differing bed times and wake times
- grazing throughout the day
No rhythm = no steady energy
Quick reality check (this matters)
- Over 60% of women report ongoing fatigue
- Sleep issues affect millions of adults regularly
- Stress is one of the top contributors to poor energy
👉 You are not alone in this.
So what actually helps?
Not a 27-step routine. Not more supplements thrown at the problem.
You need: simple daily signals your body can recognize.
Start with THIS (simple shift)
Before you try to “fix your whole life”… Start with your evening. Because if your body never winds down… tomorrow will feel the same.
✨ 3 simple things to try tonight
1. Lower stimulation before bed
- dim lights
- put your phone away
- reduce noise
2. Give your body a calming signal
This is where I personally use
Young Living Stress Away or Peace and Calming
They aren’t a magic fix…. Just as a consistent cue, that, “We’re done for the day.”
3. Clear your brain
Write down:
- your top 3 priorities for tomorrow
That’s it.
💡 Why this works
Your body responds to patterns.
When you repeat the same signals:
- your brain learns to relax faster
- your sleep improves
- your energy improves
FAQ (quick answers)
Why am I tired even after 8 hours of sleep?
Because sleep quality, stress, and hormones matter more than just hours.
Can stress really make me this tired?
Yes. Chronic stress can impact sleep, energy, and mood.
Is this a hormone problem?
Sometimes. Especially in perimenopause or menopause.
Do I need supplements?
Not always.
Start with:
- sleep
- rhythm
- stress support
Then layer in support if needed.
Will this fix everything overnight?
No.
But it will start shifting things in the right direction.
Essential Oils for Stress, Sleep & Feeling Tired. FAQs
Do essential oils actually help with stress and relaxation?
They can support relaxation as part of a routine.
Certain scents (like lavender) have been studied for their calming effects, and many people use essential oils as a sensory cue to help the body wind down.
👉 They’re not a treatment or cure
👉 But they can be a helpful tool alongside good habits
How do essential oils help you relax?
Your sense of smell is directly connected to the part of your brain that processes emotion and memory.
That means:
👉 when you pair a calming scent with a routine
👉 your brain starts to associate that scent with “time to relax”
Over time, this can help your body shift into a calmer state more easily.
Where should I apply essential oils for stress support?
Most people use diluted oils on:
- wrists
- back of neck
- shoulders
- chest (upper area)
👉 Avoid eyes, face, and sensitive areas
👉 Always follow proper dilution guidelines
Can I use essential oils without applying them to my skin?
Yes.
Many people prefer:
- diffusing in the evening
- inhaling from hands
- adding to a personal routine
Diffusing is especially helpful for creating a calm environment at night.
Should I use essential oils every night?
Consistency matters more than intensity.
Using the same scent regularly can help your body recognize:
👉 “this is my wind-down time”
Many people use oils nightly as part of a simple routine.
Is it safe to use oils undiluted (“neat”)?
It’s generally safer to dilute.
Undiluted oils can:
- irritate skin
- increase sensitivity over time
👉 A carrier oil (like coconut oil) is a good option
👉 Patch testing is always smart
What if I have a reaction to an oil?
Stop using it.
- wash the area gently
- avoid reapplying
- monitor symptoms
If irritation continues or worsens, contact a healthcare professional.
Are essential oils enough to fix my sleep or stress?
No. But, they can be a huge support! Everyone who uses essential oils and holistic products have different experiences and stories to tell.
They work best as part of a system, not a standalone fix.
Think of them as:
👉 a support tool
👉 not the whole solution
Which essential oils are best for relaxation?
Many people reach for calming oils like:
- Peace and Calming, Cedarwood, Lavender, Rutavala, Veviter, etc.
- blends designed for stress support
- grounding or citrus-based calming blends
The best one is the one you will use consistently.
De-Stress Toolbox (Simple + Real-Life)
This is your “keep it simple” system. Simple gets done much more often than complicated.
Just tools that support your body.
Your Simple De-Stress Routine
1. Evening signal (non-negotiable)
Use a calming scent at the same time each night.
I personally use:
Young Living Stress Away
or
Peace and Calming.
👉 This becomes your body’s “we’re done” signal
2. Diffuser at night
Add a few drops to a diffuser while you wind down.
Helps:
- create a calm environment
- reduce stimulation
- support routine consistency
3. On-the-go reset
Keep a roller with you.
Apply to:
- wrists
- neck
Take a slow breath.
👉 Quick reset during stressful moments
4. Pair with simple habits
This is where most people miss it.
Use oils WITH:
- dim lights
- less screen time
- slow breathing
- writing tomorrow’s top 3 tasks
👉 That combo is what works
5. Keep it consistent
Don’t switch oils every night.
Pick one.
Stick with it.
Let your body learn the pattern.
In Conclusion
You don’t need a brand new life to feel better. For goodness sake, make the most of the Beautiful, Loving Life you have been given. Savor each day because truly it is a gift. In addition to gratitude,
You need:
- small systems
- repeated daily
- that your body can trust
Want help getting started?
I made this super simple.
👉 A 5-Minute Evening Reset for Stressed Moms
So you don’t have to think at night.
Just follow it.
Or comment RESET and I’ll send it to you.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This is for general wellness support and is not medical advice.
Final Word of Encouragement
Friends, life can be fast moving! I still can’t believe most of my kids are adults.
Let’s take the time to really wind down at night. Take a bath. Read the book. Put on a fan (this helps me sleep so much). Fill the diffuser before turning off the lights.
Life is so much sweeter when we are rested. Joy fills my heart much more when I’m not battling fatigue.
Invest in our futures by getting proper rest. The best is yet to be together: you and me. We are stronger, together. Better: together.
Major Study on Sleep Regularity + Longer Life
A 2024 study published in the journal Sleep found that:
Sleep regularity was a stronger predictor of mortality risk than sleep duration.
In plain English:
People with more regular, higher-quality sleep patterns tended to live longer than people with irregular sleep schedules.
For more on this subject, check out: THIS POST. Thanks for you stopping by today.
Talk soon,
Jenn
