Cures for Sleeplessness during Menopause

Sleeplessness during menopause can occur from the uncomfortable symptoms of "night sweats," headaches, irregular bleeding that tapers off for women just entering menopause and any hormone replacements they may be taking.
Cures include designing a sleep ritual of reducing stress, getting regular exercise, reducing caffeine consumption and drinking teas such as chamomile and kava kava to induce sleep.
Taking melatonin or L-tryptophan, an amino acid can also provide sleep in some people. Both can be purchased online or in health food stores.
Avoid overuse of pharmaceutical sleep aids as they may interfere with your normal waking/sleeping cycles.

Exercise to Reduce Stress

• Heavy stress from work, family and other priorities can rob you of sleep. Menopause is another stressor. Exercise is an excellent stress-buster. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise three times a week to help manage stress.

Reduce Caffeine and Try Kava Kava

• If you drink a lot of coffee, caffeinated teas and colas, this will keep your heart rate elevated and hard to unwind to sleep at night. You don't have to give them up but reduce their consumption. Drink a glass of water between each caffeinated drink.
  Consider drinking chamomile or kava kava, which are designed to reduce stress and invite sleep. Follow directions on each package as some kava kava teas are stronger than others.

Melatonin and L-Tryptophan

• The pineal gland produces melatonin when the eyes are shut during sleep. If you cannot stay asleep, you might produce too little melatonin. Many melatonin supplements are marketed as sleep aids, but do not consume more than the recommended dosage.
  L-tryptophan is an amino acid found in turkey meat and milk. Once banned, it is available again. It is a precursor to melatonin and is taken for muscle relaxation and as a sleep aid.