Why Ovulation Feels Like Magic - But Sleep is the Real Secret Sauce

Ovulation is the time when we, as women, feel our absolute best. It’s the “peak” phase of our cycle for mood and well-being, thanks to the surge of estrogen. This powerful hormone enhances serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter, leaving us feeling happy, emotionally resilient, and calm. On top of that, it boosts our self-confidence, increases our desire to socialize and gives us that outgoing, charismatic vibe. Extra estrogen blesses us with glowing skin, sharper alertness, and a natural energy boost. But here’s the catch: just because our hormones are working their magic doesn't mean we can slack on the basics. Recently, I had a little wake-up call about the importance of keeping my circadian rhythm in check. I thought, “If I’m at my peak, how serious do I really need to be with my sleep schedule? Can’t this natural energy boost carry me through?”

Well, last night, I stayed up until 4 a.m., and while I’m definitely riding the serotonin wave, the grogginess is real. I feel sluggish, and let’s not even talk about my eye bags. It’s a rude awakening - literally - you cannot slack on sleep. Ovulation might feel like a magical little boost that lasts a few days, but if we don’t stick to the basics, like getting enough rest, it can only do so much. This hormone boost can be compared to a supplement: it’s there to enhance your life, not to replace the foundational work. And let me tell you, even with this happy hormone boost, I feel and look like I’m back in my luteal phase, totally missing the benefits of ovulation. As if! This taught me that relying on my hormones alone isn’t enough - just like taking a supplement without doing the basics isn’t enough. Why settle for feeling halfway good when you could feel amazing? A consistent sleep schedule doesn’t have to be perfect, but getting close and staying consistent makes all the difference. Trust me on this one - your future self (and your under-eye area) will thank you.