Sleep Disturbance During Menopause

Sleep disturbances are one of the symptoms of menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you are in your menopausal years and are waking up more frequently at night, menopausal sleep disturbances may be the reason. Disturbances are more frequent as a woman goes deeper into menopause.

Symptoms

• A menopausal woman often may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or may wake up early. Menopausal hot flashes and sweats during the night or a need to urinate frequently can interrupt sleep, leading to a less restful night.

Causes

• Hormonal imbalance causes most menopause sleep disturbances. During menopause, estrogen declines and causes a reduction in serotonin, which in turn reduces the amount of the melatonin that is produced in the brain. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates the sleep cycle.

Significance

• Sleep difficulties are one of the most severe symptoms of menopause, according to a report in the April 2008 Journal of Clinical Nursing. Sleep disturbances often exacerbate other symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, decreased libido and heart palpitations.

Coping

• Sleeping issues during menopause are only temporary. Natural remedies such as exercise and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening help provide more restful sleep during perimenopause and menopause.

Prevention

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one way to prevent significant sleep disturbances. Lifestyle changes such as eliminating stress, avoiding overworking and following a nighttime ritual also help combat menopausal sleep disturbances.