There’s a funny thing that happens once you reach a certain savvy age: sleep becomes optional. Or at least it feels that way at 3:08 a.m. whey my eyes pop open like toast out of a toaster, and all hope of drifting back into dreamland vanishes faster than my twenties did.
When sleep becomes a suggestion and not a guarantee, I do what any brilliant, seasoned woman would do: I get up.
The house is deliciously quiet. Tank is tucked in, snoring like a tiny freight train. Steve’s wrapped in the covers like a human burrito. Meanwhile, I’m sneaking downstairs like a woman on a mission whilst avoiding the one squeaky stair. I flick on the fireplace, wrap up in my favourite blanket, and make myself a fancy mint tea — because at this hour, I deserve nothing less than full spa energy.
Sitting by the fire, I sip my tea like I’m starring in my own cozy movie. Sometimes I scroll online and fill shopping carts I never intend to buy. Sometimes I write profound journal entries that later read like the ramblings of a mad poet. And sometimes, I just sit there, solving all the world’s problems with the confidence of someone who’s had exactly zero hours of sleep and two cups of caffeine.
Middle-of-the-night me is bold. Middle-of-the-night me thinks a pixie haircut is a GREAT idea and that buying a fixer-upper in Tuscany sounds perfectly reasonable…preferably one that comes with a Vespa
I used to fight it. Toss, turn, plead for sleep like it was some big prize to be won. Not anymore. Now I see 3 a.m. for what it really is: a secret, golden hour where the world is quiet and the only expectations are the ones you set for yourself.
The house is so still at this hour. It’s a different kind of quiet too. It feels like the world hit the pause button and I’m the only one lucky enough to see it. It’s a sort of invitation – to slow down, listen in to find a kind of peace that daytime rarely offers.
So if you find yourself wide awake in the middle of the night, don’t stress. Don’t curse your aging hormones. And for heaven’s sake, don’t just lie there staring at the ceiling. Get up. Wrap yourself in something really lovely and soft. Make a ridiculously fancy tea. Sit by the fire and OWN your night.
You might be surprised at how much beauty there is to be found when the world is still and you’re the only one awake to notice.

12 Comments
Anne McRorie
April 27, 2025 at 7:27 AMHi Marion:
That’s been me every night for the last 15 years- I have tried everything known to help sleep and nothing works for me! It makes me laugh as people are always saying “ Did you try this” or “Have you tried that”? If they only knew lol. I have actually laid in bed after waking up at one until 6 – doing what? Nothing! Yes to get up is the best -(although not so good on the days I work) I have cleaned the house in the middle of the night and made fresh banana muffins at 3:30 am which means I get to sit in the beautiful quiet and watch the sun come up with a fresh warm muffin and lovely cup of tea!
Marion
April 27, 2025 at 8:36 AMHaha baking in the middle of the night!! Great idea…but everything sounds so much louder at 2:00 AM…..especially in the kitchen. Maybe I’ll put the ingredients out before I go to bed. Lol I love the idea of warm muffins with tea in the morning Anne!! LOL
I too, get advice to try this, that and the next thing. I hear ya on that. 😂
Have a great day Anne…thanks for the great idea! LOL
Carol
April 27, 2025 at 9:37 AMI have got to try this. I wake up so often now and stare at the ceiling. I am going to try get up and embrace the quiet time.
Thanks. Cute read.
Marion
April 27, 2025 at 9:38 AMI am so happy to have inspired you. The hardest part is just getting up. After that it truly is so peaceful
Have a happy Sunday.
Marianne
April 27, 2025 at 11:21 AMI will happily join you on the back of your Vespa in Tuscany. That sounds like a dream – in which you were wide awake lol.
Loved this Savvy. It truly hits home with me. The nights that I just get myself out of bed is actually more tolerable than the nights I fight it, the time goes so slow.
Marion
April 27, 2025 at 11:25 AMHaha…I call it dreaming with my eyes wide open. Let’s get packing!! I’m sure it would be fun travelling with you!
Have a great day Marianne.
Tracey
April 27, 2025 at 11:27 AMYou have such a way of putting your thoughts into words to share with your readers. I wish I could do that. I love your blog Marion. I always look forward to reading it.
Marion
April 27, 2025 at 11:28 AMThanks so much Tracey. Your comments are so encouraging and I appreciate them.
Cathy Farley
April 27, 2025 at 6:39 PMBang on Marion….can’t count the times I toss and turn at 2 or 3 am….will take your advice and make a nice ginger tea
Marion
April 28, 2025 at 2:29 PMIf the tea fails…try wine 😉
Xo
Val Cater
April 27, 2025 at 8:49 PMOh Mare, while everyone else is sympathetic, I am empathic. I sleep very well but hope those hours work for you🥰 Seems like many accomplishments may/ have been made at that hour? As long as you are not suffering and may grab a quick nappie during the day, your life seems fulfilled❤️ So not bragging, just want you healthy…❌⭕️
Marion
April 28, 2025 at 2:28 PMAwww…thanks Val. That is very is such a sweet message. You are definitely one of the lucky ones.
Come home soon. I miss you. 🥰