If you’ve hit your mid-40s and suddenly feel like a stranger in your own body—you're not alone. Maybe you’re exhausted all the time, snapping at people for no reason, or staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m. wondering what happened to your old self. Chances are, it’s not “just stress.” It could be your hormones.

You probably already know that sleep is essential for your energy, mood, and brain function. But here’s something you might not realize: poor sleep and chronic inflammation are deeply linked—and they can trigger a vicious cycle that silently sabotages your health.