· By Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder + CEO of Pink Stork, Certified Health Coach, INHC
8 Signs Stress May Be Affecting Your Sleep and Energy
Stress often shows up in your sleep and energy before you name it as stress. Common signs include trouble winding down at night, waking unrefreshed, afternoon crashes, and feeling both wired and tired. These signs have many possible causes, so use this list to notice patterns and bring them to your provider, not to diagnose yourself.
Mayo Clinic describes the common effects of stress on the body, mood, and behavior, which is a helpful background read.
1. You have trouble winding down at night
You feel tired all day, then your mind speeds up once you lie down. A busy evening, late screens, and unfinished tasks can all keep your body in "on" mode. If this happens most nights, note it and mention it to your provider. Our guide on what a healthy cortisol rhythm looks like explains how daily habits shape your evening.
2. You wake in the night or too early and cannot settle again
Broken sleep can leave you feeling unrested even after a full night in bed. Many things can wake you, from noise and temperature to worry. Track how often it happens and what is on your mind when it does. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers sleep guidance on schedules and bedroom habits.
3. You wake up unrefreshed
You slept for enough hours, but you still feel flat when the alarm goes off. Sleep quality matters as much as sleep length. If this lasts for weeks, ask your provider to review your sleep habits and health history.
"So many people have a hard time with actually restful sleep."
— Dr. Samantha Ess, ND, Naturopathic Doctor specializing in hormone health and fertility
4. You rely on caffeine to get through the afternoon
A mid-afternoon crash that sends you to a second or third cup is worth noticing. Late caffeine can also make the next night's sleep harder, which sets up the same cycle again. Try moving your last cup earlier and see how you feel.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. If your stress load stays high after you adjust your habits, you can ask your provider about our stress support formula for women, which is formulated to support a healthy stress response and a balanced mood.†
5. You feel wired and tired at the same time
Many women describe a body that is exhausted and a mind that will not slow down. This mix is common during demanding seasons, and it has many possible causes. Notice when it is strongest, such as late in the day or after a hard week, and bring that pattern to your provider.
6. Small things leave you irritable or on edge
Short patience, a quick temper, or feeling close to tears can be a sign that your total load is high. Everyone has hard days, so look for a pattern across several weeks. If low mood or worry lasts more than a couple of weeks, contact your provider. The National Institute of Mental Health offers an overview of stress and when to seek help.
7. You have trouble focusing or feel mentally foggy
Forgetting why you walked into a room or rereading the same email can happen when your attention is stretched thin. Poor sleep, missed meals, and constant multitasking all add to it. Ask your provider whether anything else is worth checking, since foggy thinking has many possible causes.
8. You are a new mom and the exhaustion feels bigger than sleep
The fourth trimester combines broken sleep, physical recovery, and a new mental load. Tiredness is expected, and it is also worth raising at your checkup if it is severe or does not ease. Our list of 10 questions to ask at your 6-week postpartum checkup can help you plan what to say. Total Postnatal, built for the fourth trimester, is formulated with omega-3 DHA, B-complex vitamins, and zinc to support postpartum recovery and replenishment,† and iron supports healthy red blood cell formation and energy levels postpartum.† Many healthcare providers recommend continuing postnatal supplementation for at least 6 months postpartum, or as long as you are breastfeeding.† Our guide on why you may still be so tired postpartum covers the many contributors.
What can you do when you notice these signs?
Start with habits, then add support if you want it. Small, steady changes work better than a full overhaul.
- Keep a regular wake time. A consistent start to the day helps anchor your sleep.
- Get daylight early. Step outside within the first hour after waking.
- Move caffeine earlier. Finish your last cup by early afternoon.
- Dim the lights at night. Set a short, consistent wind-down routine.
- Eat regular meals. Include protein at breakfast.
- Talk with your provider. Share your notes if signs last for weeks.
"Women carry so much, and rest is part of caring for your family, not a luxury. I want every mom to feel supported by science she can trust and a community that holds her up."
— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork
Where does Cortisol Complex fit?
Cortisol Complex, designed for women navigating high-stress seasons, is a daily blend of adaptogens, vitamins, and antioxidants. Its 300 mg of organic ashwagandha root is an adaptogen studied for its role in supporting a healthy stress response.† Chamomile supports relaxation and a sense of calm,† and the B-vitamin complex supports energy production and healthy nervous system function.† The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health gives an overview of ashwagandha and where research is still developing, and our guide on what the research says about ashwagandha covers the findings and the limits.
Cortisol Complex is third-party tested in cGMP-certified laboratories and comes in a UV-protected bottle. It is vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Pink Stork is woman-founded and woman-led, with more than 50,000 verified Amazon reviews across the brand. A supplement does not replace sleep, food, or care from your provider. If you train hard and feel drained, read why you may feel tired on rest days.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if stress is affecting my sleep?
You may notice trouble winding down, broken sleep, or waking unrefreshed. These signs have many possible causes, so share your pattern with your provider.
Why am I tired but unable to sleep?
Many women describe feeling wired and tired at once during demanding seasons. Habits such as late caffeine and evening screens can add to it, and your provider can look at other contributors.
When should I see a provider about sleep and energy?
See your provider if tiredness or poor sleep lasts for several weeks, does not ease with rest, or comes with changes in mood or your cycle.
Can a supplement replace good sleep habits?
No. Cortisol Complex is formulated to support a healthy stress response and a balanced mood.† It works alongside sleep, food, and recovery time, not in place of them.
Is Cortisol Complex safe while breastfeeding?
Cortisol Complex is labeled breastfeeding-friendly. Ask your healthcare provider before you start any new supplement while breastfeeding.
Can I take Cortisol Complex and a postnatal vitamin together?
Some mothers use both during the fourth trimester. Ask your healthcare provider whether this combination suits you.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.
