Why Women in Midlife Need Rest: Understanding the 7 Types of Rest

If you’re in midlife and feeling constantly tired, it’s not just in your head. Many women in this season of life feel exhausted, but often, we don’t recognize that our fatigue goes beyond needing more sleep. Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all, and as Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith explains, there are actually 7 types of rest that we need to feel fully restored.

But first, let’s talk about why so many women in midlife are running on empty.

5 Reasons Women in Midlife Are Tired and Need Rest

1. Juggling Too Many Roles
   At this stage of life, you’re often wearing multiple hats—caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, navigating a career, or even starting over after a major life transition. It’s exhausting trying to be everything for everyone.

2. Emotional Burnout
   Midlife can bring big emotional challenges—divorce, grief, an empty nest, or shifting friendships. Processing all of this takes a toll, especially when you don’t give yourself permission to feel and heal.

3. Perimenopause and Menopause
   Hormonal changes can disrupt sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being. It’s hard to show up for life when your body is fighting against you.

4. Neglecting Self-Care
   For years, you’ve likely put others first, and old habits die hard. If you’re not prioritizing yourself, your needs for rest and renewal get left at the bottom of the to-do list.

5. Living in a Society That Glorifies Productivity
   We live in a culture that equates rest with laziness. If you’ve been conditioned to always “do more,” you may feel guilty about slowing down, even when your body and mind are screaming for rest.

The 7 Types of Rest

Here’s the good news: Rest isn’t just about sleeping more (although sleep is definitely important!). These 7 types of rest can help you identify where you’re truly depleted and how to restore your energy:

1. Physical Rest
   This includes both passive rest (like sleep) and active rest (like stretching, yoga, or massage). Give your body the recovery it needs.

2. Mental Rest
   Your brain needs a break too. Turn off notifications, take short mental breaks during the day, and set boundaries around work to quiet your mind.

3. Emotional Rest
   Feeling like you always have to be “on” for others is draining. Emotional rest comes when you allow yourself to express your feelings authentically and stop people-pleasing.

4. Spiritual Rest
   This involves connecting with something bigger than yourself, whether through faith, meditation, or spending time in nature. It brings a sense of purpose and peace.

5. Social Rest
   Not all social interactions are energizing. Social rest means spending time with people who recharge you and stepping away from relationships that drain you.

6. Sensory Rest
   From screens to noise to bright lights, your senses are constantly overstimulated. Unplug and enjoy quiet, calming environments to reset.

7. Creative Rest
   When was the last time you experienced awe or wonder? Creative rest involves being inspired by art, music, or nature to rekindle your imagination and curiosity.

Why This Matters in Midlife

Midlife is a unique season—it’s a time of reflection, transition, and rediscovery. But you can’t show up for the life you want to create if you’re running on empty. Understanding the 7 types of rest helps you take a holistic approach to self-care, meeting the specific needs of your body, mind, and soul.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• What type of rest do I need most right now?
• Where am I feeling the most depleted?

Giving yourself permission to rest isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When you take time to refill your cup, you’ll have more energy to pursue your purpose, connect with loved ones, and truly enjoy this season of life.

Ready to dive deeper?
Join my private Facebook group, Midlife with Purpose! This month, I’ll be sharing 20-minute teachings on rest and leading discussions on all things sleep. Our supportive community is here to help you recharge and find balance. Come learn and grow with us!

Believing in you,
Lisa