“Unmasking Menopause: The Underrated Connection Between Hormonal Change and Sleep Disturbances”
Sleep Disturbances: An Often Overlooked Symptom of Menopause
We often hear about the hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings associated with menopause, but there’s one symptom that is equally as prevalent, yet often overlooked – sleep disturbances. This post is meant to shed light on the science behind this often-misunderstood symptom, such as the reasons it occurs and the forms it can take. Let’s begin with a brief understanding of menopause itself.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause, a natural stage of aging for women typically occurring in their 40s or 50s, is marked by the cessation of menstruation for a year. This fundamental biological alteration is accompanied by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly of estrogen and progesterone, which can cause several disturbing physical and emotional changes, including challenges to normal sleep patterns.
The Genesis of Sleep Disturbances in Menopause
The root of sleep disturbances during menopause lies in the body’s alteration of hormone production. Among other duties, estrogen helps to support sleep through promoting rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the period of sleep when dreams occur. Progesterone, on the other hand, acts as a natural sedative. With the decline of these hormones during menopause, sleep disturbances are likely to occur.
Forms of Sleep Disturbances
Women undergoing menopause can experience a variety of sleep issues, the most common being insomnia. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking up often during the night, waking up early, and feeling unrested upon waking. Another common sleep-related issue during menopause is sleep-disordered breathing, including conditions like sleep apnea, which is marked by irregular respiration during sleep.
Concluding Thoughts: Sleep Well, Live Well
The menopausal stage can be a challenging time for women due to its associated emotional, physical and lifestyle changes. Recognizing the prevalence and impact of sleep disturbances during this phase is paramount to seeking appropriate solutions. This will not only greatly improve quality of life, but also support overall health, as poor sleep has been linked to a range of health issues from heart disease to depression.
Resource
For in-depth understanding and scientific findings about the connection between sleep disturbances and menopause, refer to this research article
