Insomnia, Mercury Retrograde & The Leo Moon: Why You’re Wired at 3AM (And What to Do About It)

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Can’t sleep lately?

Waking up between 3–5 am, mind racing? 

You are definitely not alone.

Lately, a wave of clients—and yes, my husband, son, and I too—have been rising in the middle of the night, wired and restless. It’s more than just too much screen time. There’s something deeper at play.

Energetically, astrologically, things are stirring.

Mercury Retrograde: Nervous System on High Alert

For years, I’ve noticed a spike in sleep issues, restlessness, and even physical tension during Mercury Retrograde. Mercury governs the central nervous system, and when it goes retrograde, many of us feel it—literally.

We’re talking about:

  • Insomnia or disturbed sleep
  • Tightness in the neck and chest
  • Feeling physically or emotionally overstimulated
  • Hyperactive minds that won’t shut off
  • And yes, vivid, often symbolic dreams

Think of it as an electrical surge: your nervous system is overloaded and glitching out. What you may need right now is what I call an Electric Reset—a simple practice that helps recalibrate your internal wiring so you can feel grounded and calm again.

And I was thrilled to see this echoed in an article in MindBodyGreen, where the AstroTwins wrote:

“Each planet governs different parts of the body, and in the case of Mercury, it’s associated with our nervous system… our minds may be working overtime during Mercury retro to make sense of all the scrambled information. We may be revisiting people from the past, reassessing memories, and revising our lives—and all this revision can seep into our sleep… and our dreams.”

Amen. So if you’ve been wondering why you’re overstimulated lately, this may be your answer.

And—let’s not forget the dreams.

MR dreams can be extra vivid, full of symbolism and emotion. Many clients report dreams that process daytime stressors or replay past situations with a new lens. It’s like our subconscious is pulling overtime to help us catch up, clean up, and reset.

How to Sleep (and Dream) Better During This Time:

1. 🌀 Try an “Electric Reset” Exercise

Do the exercise in this short video below to calm and soothe your nervous system. You can also download the PDF instructions here. Print them and keep them by your bed to use before sleep—or at 3 AM when you find yourself staring at the ceiling.

Feel free to share with anyone else feeling sleepless: https://bit.ly/LR-restfulsleep

2. 🌙 Listen to Your Dreams

Keep a dream journal nearby. Mercury Retrograde dreams are often symbolic messages nudging us toward inner change. Ask yourself:

  • What emotions came up in the dream?
  • Where do I feel similar tension or longing in my waking life?
  • How could I support myself differently in that scenario?

Dreams are a powerful mirror—and right now, that mirror is glowing with insight.

3. 🗣 Communicate With Care

Miscommunication is Mercury Retrograde’s calling card. Double-check your texts, clarify your intentions, and don’t assume silence means something negative. Give others (and yourself) grace. Speak from the heart, not from fear. This is a perfect time to realign how we connect with clarity and compassion.

4. 📝 Write Stuff Down & Back It All Up

Mental fog is real during this period. Don’t rely on memory. Set reminders, confirm appointments, and save important files. Backing things up now can save you from big frustration later. Also, rethink your tech systems—what could work better?

5. 💛 Stay Open, Stay Soft

People can be fiery and reactive during this time. But what if we met that fire with softness? With curiosity instead of conflict? When conversations get heated, remember: staying grounded in compassion keeps you in your power.

While Mercury Retrograde is causing us to rethink, revise, and reassess our lives…

…we’re also being gifted a bold counterbalance: the New Moon in Leo—a cosmic invitation to step forward with courage, creativity, and heart.

Where Mercury Retrograde pulls us inward to reflect and refine, Leo energy calls us outward—to lead, to shine, to own our brilliance unapologetically.

Leo is the sign of self-expression, authenticity, and soulful leadership. It reminds us that our presence is power, and that the most generous thing we can do is radiate our light into the world.

As astrologer Chani Nicholas so beautifully says:

“Now, Leo is a sign of the leader. A sign of great courage and heart. This is a very specific invitation to move into a greater understanding of your power, your energy, your light… What else is there but to serve each other, to be curious about the world around us, and to remind each other of our light?”

This New Moon is whispering (or maybe roaring):

  • What lights you up?
  • Where are you ready to lead from love, not fear?
  • How can you step into your next chapter with boldness, joy, and truth?

So while Mercury may have us reviewing the past and sorting through the static, Leo reminds us of the fire that still burns bright inside. This is your moment to reconnect with your purpose—and express it in a way only you can.

So slow down, back up your files, and take the time and space to connect with your heart. 

Let the love in you guide your communication and actions. 

Calm your central nervous system with the exercise above and actively fuel your soul with what lights you up! 

Let your light shine and lift others, and if yours feels dim, look for the light in the eyes of the people around you: we’re here to reflect and reignite that light in one another.

Again and again.

Much love,

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lara riggio

Lara Riggio is an Energy Intuitive. Her videos, classes, and sessions have helped tens of thousands discover and heal the mind/body, ancestral, and past life blocks which sabotage health and happiness. She is based in New York City, and works out of her Central Park Energy Center in Columbus Circle.