Understanding Sleep Disorders Linked to Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know
Challenges of Sleep during Menopause: A Closer Look
Sleep difficulties remain one of the most common afflictions during the menopausal stage for women. Understanding the intricate relationship between menopause and sleep issues can help facilitate a more manageable journey during menopause. In this blog, we delve into some scientific studies on this subject.
Menopause and Insomnia: A Tie You Cannot Ignore
Insomnia stands as one of the most prevalent sleep disorders associated with menopause. A considerable number of women in their menopausal stage report difficult experiences around falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or waking up much earlier than needed. This is mostly due to the reduction of estrogen and progesterone – two primary sleep-promoting hormones whose productions get affected.
Sleep Apnea: Another Issue at Hand
Menopause ticks off heightened risks for sleep apnea – a potentially dangerous sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. This is largely due to the weight gain commonly experienced around menopause which can trigger the occurrences of Sleep Apnea. Women may experience loud snoring, awakening with a dry mouth, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Emotional Disturbance and Sleep Imbalance
During menopause, women also become more susceptible to emotional disturbances owing to the hormonal shifts. These disturbances, which can include anxiety, depression, mood swings, and irritability, can then disrupt a woman’s sleep cycle. Hence, aside from the physical aspect, the emotional facet also plays a critical role in contributing to sleep imbalances during menopause.
In Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Challenge
Sleep difficulties during menopause don’t derive from a single source but present themselves as a culmination of various changes that the body goes through. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment can greatly enhance the quality of life during and after menopause. It’s never just about enduring through menopause, but living comfortably even whilst navigating it.
Resources
Further information on sleep difficulty symptoms caused by menopause can be accessed through this recent article from Sleep, the official journal of the Sleep Research Society.
