Why You’re Reaching for Cookies and Forgetting Your Keys (And How Sleep Can Help)
Jun 09, 2025
You know those days where you’re rummaging through the pantry by 10am, mainlining coffee just to keep your eyes open, and suddenly can’t remember where you put your phone (spoiler: it’s in your hand)? Yeah - that’s not just “life being crazy.” That’s your sweet body waving a little white flag saying, “Psst…I could really use some better sleep.”
Let’s chat about why skimping on sleep leaves us craving sweets, dragging through the afternoons, and walking into rooms only to forget why we’re there. More importantly, let’s talk about how to make it better - no judgment, no perfection required, just gentle tweaks that actually work.
1. The 3pm Cookie Monster emerges:
Why Sleep Deprivation Causes Sugar Cravings (And How to Stop It)Here’s what’s really happening when you find yourself elbow-deep in the snack cabinet:
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Your tired body starts screaming for quick energy (hello, sugar cravings)
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Your natural “I’m full” signals take the afternoon off
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Suddenly that muffin seems like the answer to all your problems
What actually helps:
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Start your day with something high in protein like eggs or Greek yogurt -
it keeps the hangries at bay -
Keep a water bottle with you (being thirsty can show up as hunger)
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Make your bedroom a cozy, dark cave at night - your body will thank you
2. The Afternoon Slump isn't normal:
The Real Reason You Crash at 2pm (It’s Not Just Fatigue)That 2pm feeling where you could faceplant into your keyboard? Let’s talk about it.
When our circadian rhythm gets disrupted:
- Our energy reserves run on empty
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Our body pumps out stress hormones as a quick fix
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We end up riding a rollercoaster of fake energy and hard crashes
Gentle energy boosters:
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Step outside for just 5 minutes in the morning - daylight is magic
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Try a 10-minute walk instead of another coffee
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A 20-minute power nap (set an alarm!) can work wonders
3. "What Was I Saying Again?"
Have you ever:
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Walked into a room and immediately forgot why?
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Lost your train of thought mid-sentence?
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Felt like you’re moving through molasses?
That’s sleep deprivation turning your brain into a fuzzy blob. One rough night can make you 30% less sharp - like having a drink or two!
Simple ways to clear the fog:
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Focus on one thing at a time (multitasking is a myth anyway)
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Try the “coffee nap” trick: sip some coffee, then rest for 15 minutes
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Keep a notepad by your bed for racing thoughts at night
The Best Part? Tiny Changes Make a Big Difference
This is why sleep hygiene experts suggest you don’t need to overhaul your life - just try one small thing:
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Try putting your phone down 30 minutes earlier tonight
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Make your bedroom a little cooler and darker
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Jot down tomorrow’s to-dos before bed to quiet your mind
Remember - sleep isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving your amazing, hard-working body the rest it deserves. Pick just one little change to try tonight and see how you feel tomorrow.
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