Menopause and Insomnia

Insomnia is a very common symptom reported byIt takes effort to accommodate these changes and
numerous women at the onset of menopause. It ismake yourself as comfortable as possible.
characterized by sleepless nights and oftenExercise also preps the body for restful sleep.
uncomfortable sleep such as tossing and turning in anScientific studies suggest eating fat loaded foods are
effort to get comfortable. If you are primarily anot recommended before bedtime. So a steady,
mentally active person, it can become very difficulthealthy is a great plus. Insomnia can be treated by
to calm the mind. You feel restless and irritable.consuming foods that increase the serotonin levels in
Welcome to the change of life.your brain so that your body relaxes. Serotonin is
Insomniacs sleep is chock-full of waking up atresponsible for aiding with sleep by calming your brain.
frequent times during the night, waking up too early,Drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime to help
and light sleep where the ticking of a hand clock maycalm your nerves.
jolt you awake. This condition occurs duringThere are many causes for insomnia that stem from
menopause because it is a side-effect of othermenopause. Depression is characteristic of this
menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and generaltransition and can negatively influence your sleep.
physical and mental discomfort. When your body isDecreasing estrogen levels can cause the on-set of
dealing with night sweats, it's easy to have yourdepressive symptoms. In the menstrual cycle,
sleep interrupted, which makes it even more difficultovulation causes progesterone (which has soothing
to be sharp and at your best during the day.effects on the mind and body) to be released.
Consuming stress-inducing foods loaded with thingsIrregular cycles may cause anxiety to build-up, as a
such as caffeine can further stimulate tension, so it isresult of the lack of this ¨happy hormone.¨
important to maintain a caffeine-free diet. AvoidFor some people, taking melatonin is enough to get a
drinking coffee as late in the day as possible. Do notrestful night. For others, a prescription sleeping pill is
over stimulate your nervous system. Release tensionnecessary. Some women swear by black cohosh to
by learning hatha yoga postures or how to breathhelp with body flushes as well as natural sources of
deeply and mediate.progesterone.
Try altering your sleep arrangements. If you find thatIn any case, it is important to consult with your
your pillow is not soft enough, or maybe it's toodoctor in order to decide together what treatment is
elevated for your head, make adjustments. If youbest for you.
find that the polyester blankets you're lying on doesThe information in this article is for educational
not relax the contours of your body - switch them.purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.