Women experience several bodily and mental challenges in their midlife. One such problem women experience is at the time of menopause. As reiterated repeatedly, women’s emotional phase in and around the 50s is challenging. This is due to the internal and external changes they experience.
In this article, let’s look into the importance of sleep during menopause and the factors that disrupt sleep quality. We’ll also understand how much sleep menopausal women need to maintain overall well-being.
The Importance of Sleep in Menopause
A restful night’s sleep is crucial for overall health. They improve your cognition, help in weight management, increase immunity, reduce stress hormones, thereby elevating mood, and finally lower the risk of many health problems such as diabetes, obesity, depression, heart health, mental health, poor academic performance, Alzheimer’s, and accidents.
This section delves into the importance of sleep in menopause.
Mood and Cognitive Function
Lack of sleep during menopause can increase mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. It can also impair mental functioning, making concentrating and remembering things harder. Therefore, adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining emotional stability and mental acuity.
Physical health
Estrogen plays a significant role in regulating sleep patterns, and its decline can lead to sleep disturbances. During menopause, hormonal imbalances can disturb the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Hence, keeping up with regular activity is vital for boosting your physical health.
Sleep and Hormones
Sleep is essential for inclusive health, and inadequate sleep can be subject to several health issues, such as the risk of heart disease, weight gain, and compromised immune function. Menopausal women need to prioritize their sleep to reduce these risks.
Factors Affecting Sleep Quality in Menopausal Women
Several factors that affect sleep quality in menopausal women. This is because the woman’s body experiences changes, including hormonal changes, during the menopausal phase.
This section will discuss the factors responsible for poor sleep quality.
Hormonal Changes
Your body alarms you for internal changes, including hormonal fluctuations. Changes such as night sweats and hot flashes are common symptoms that disrupt sleep patterns. Also, the sudden surges of heat can cause night awakenings and thus make it challenging to sleep.
Night Sweats and Hot Flashes
Low levels of estrogen can affect your sleep. Estrogen is a crucial hormone that regulates the functioning of reproduction, whereas low estrogen can cause sleep disorders like insomnia. It is responsible for regulating body temperature and maintaining sleep-wake cycles. However, a decline in this level can lead to sleep disturbances.
Mood Disorders
The decreased estrogen level during menopause triggers mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, mood swings, etc. Among them, depression and anxiety are common symptoms of menopause. Yet, these mood disorders can interfere with sleep. Stress and worry can keep menopausal women awake at night.
Sleep Disorders
Low estrogen levels can trigger sleep disturbances during menopause. It can also exacerbate preexisting sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea. These conditions can worsen the situation for menopausal women to achieve a good night’s sleep.
The amount of sleep that menopausal women need can vary in individuals. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of continuous nights of sleep. Some women may need more sleep than others.
Here are a few things to note for improving sleep quality in this context.
The General Sleep Rule
The ‘National Sleep Foundation’ states that menopausal women should aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of sound sleep at night. However, because every individual sleep needs can vary, a few women may feel well-rested with more or less sleep.
Pay Close Attention to Your Body
It’s crucial to pay close attention to your body that signals during menopause. If you need more sleep to function at your best, make time for it. Conversely, feeling refreshed and alert after 7 hours of sleep may be sufficient for you. So listen to your body whenever it alarms you and get well rested.
Quantity Sleep Over Quality Sleep
The quantity of sleep is as essential as the quality. It is generally recommended that menopausal women focus on creating an instrumental sleeping environment and practicing good sleep hygiene. Also, remember to seek help from a health expert whenever you need help treating sleep disorders.
Tips for Better Sleep During Menopause
Finally, here are some tips to elevate your sleep during menopause. Please take a look at them.
Creating a Relaxed Bedtime Routine
Practice a calm bedtime routine because it keeps you relaxed during sleep hours. It alarms your body when it’s time to ease up. Consider including a few night routines like reading books, gentle stretching exercises, or a warm bath, which may keep you relaxed before bedtime.
Maintaining a Consistent Sleep Routine
A consistent sleep routine is a great way to achieve sound sleep. You can make it a daily habit to go to bed and wake up simultaneously, even on weekdays. This helps regulate your body’s internal body clock and improve sleep quality.
In Managing Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Healthy nights come with implementing wholesome routines that help in managing menopausal challenges. Hot flashes and night sweats in menopause can be managed when choosing breathable wearables and moisture-wicking sleepwear to keep your body temperature under control.
However, few women find relief from hot flashes by using reusable cooling elements such as cool bags or ice bags and holding a glass of cold water by the bedside.
Limit the Intake of Caffeine and Alcohol
You should limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol in menopause if you want quality sleep. Try to limit or, at best, avoid these drinks, especially during bedtime, as these can interfere with your sleep.
Staying Active
Regular physical activity keeps you active and improves sleep quality. You may aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. However, avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, which may delay or affect sleep quality.
Considering Herbal Remedies
One effective way to deal with menopause is by using herbal remedies. Women find relief from menopausal symptoms, including sleep disturbances, through herbal remedies like valerian root, black cohosh, or chamomile herbal drinks.
Remember, before trying any herbal supplements, you should always take the help of a healthcare professional.
Seek Professional Support
Sleep disturbances can significantly impact our quality of life. Always seek professional support by consulting a healthcare provider or sleep specialist. They may help identify and treat any underlying sleep disorders or offer guidance on managing menopausal symptoms.
For more advice, check out SimplyMenopause.net, a trustworthy guide to answering menopausal queries and making women’s lives much more manageable.
Conclusion
The hormonal changes and symptoms associated with menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, so women must prioritize their sleep. Listening to your body is vital as the general guideline is 7 to 9 hours of sleep; however, individual sleep time varies.
This post delves into healthy sleep hygiene practices, managing menopausal symptoms, and seeking professional help when necessary. Menopausal women can improve the quality of their sleep and enjoy more refreshing, restful nights during this transitional phase of life.
Remember, quality sleep is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and cognitive health as you navigate the journey of menopause.
I hope you find this post helpful in overcoming sleep deprivation!
Jessica has a flair for writing engaging blogs and articles. She enjoys reading and learning new things which enables her to write different topics and fields with ease. She also strives to break down complex concepts and make them easy for anybody to comprehend.
