“Confronting Menopause: A Deeper Look into Associated Sleep Difficulties”
Understanding the Sleep Difficulties Associated with Menopause
Menopause brings about several changes in a woman’s life, and quite often these changes interfere with her sleep pattern. One of the most common symptoms of menopause is sleep difficulty, characterized by insomnia, frequent night awakenings, and non-restorative sleep. Let’s delve deeper into understanding how menopause contributes to these sleep issues.
The Sleep Menopause Connection
According to a study on sleep difficulties associated with menopause published by the Oxford University Press, sleep disturbances mainly occur due to the hormonal shifts that take place during this biological transition. The reduced levels of estrogen and progestogen influence regular sleep patterns, further exacerbated by factors like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disorders which are typically tied to menopause.
Severity of Sleep Disruptions
The same study indicates that approximately 40-60% of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women experience sleep disorders. While sleep difficulties can range from mild to severe, the severity of these disturbances often relates to the individual’s perception of sleep quality and sleep satisfaction rather than their actual sleep duration.
Impact on Quality of Life
The ensuing sleep disruptions from menopause can significantly lower quality of life, leading to daytime tiredness, impaired cognitive function, and poor emotional health. This, in turn, can affect work performance, social relationships, and overall well-being.
Sleep and Menopause: Wrapping Up
Sleep disorders related to menopause are a considerable health concern given their prevalence and impact on daily life. More research is needed to better understand these disturbances and to develop effective interventions. Meanwhile, it is important for women to be aware of these potential sleep problems and to seek help to manage them effectively.
Resources
The information for this blog post is largely sourced from a comprehensive report ‘Sleep Difficulty in Women at Midlife: A Community Survey of Sleep and the Menopausal Transition’ available at https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article-pdf/46/10/zsad072/51943145/zsad072.pdf