Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycle and, often, the beginning of some not-so-pleasant side effects like night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain. And if that’s not bad enough, sleep is often disrupted, too.
Is it simply stress? Or does menopause mess with sleep? Of course, menopause symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but sleep issues are generally common. Here’s what could be keeping you awake and how to fix it.
Menopause & Sleep
Women need around seven to nine hours of sleep each night. And getting too little sleep can lead to a whole host of health issues. Unfortunately, sleep disturbances are common during menopause — and even perimenopause and postmenopause.
One year after your periods have stopped, your ovaries gradually decrease production of estrogen and progesterone. The changes in these hormones contribute to poor sleep and often continue into postmenopause.
If you’ve ever experienced a hot flash then you know it comes on suddenly and involves intense heat that affects the face, upper chest, and the entire body. Research from the Journal of Mid-Life Health suggests they last from two to four minutes and are followed by chills, sweating, palpitations, and even anxiety.
While science isn’t entirely sure why hot flashes happen, hormone fluctuations are likely to blame. These changes can affect your blood vessels, which dilate and cause abnormal sweating while you sleep. This, of course, can make it hard to get a good night’s rest.
Try managing hot flashes with these lifestyle changes:
- Stay cool — Open a window or lower the room temperature. Keep a cold drink by your bedside. And, dress lightly.
- Monitor foods — Avoid spicy foods. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol can also trigger hot flashes.
- Quit smoking — Smoking is linked to more hot flashes.
- Lose weight — Losing a few extra pounds could help ease your hot flashes.
If your sleep is disturbed by loud snoring and gasping, then you may be suffering from sleep apnea. This potentially serious sleep disorder causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start. Research published in the Journal of Sleep Disorders & Therapy suggests that menopausal night sweats and hot flashes could contribute to sleep apnea.
Postmenopausal weight gain or even progesterone may be the problem. Keep in mind, sleep apnea in women may not be about loud snoring and gasping for air. It can also cause insomnia, headaches, depression, anxiety, and daytime fatigue. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, it’s best to talk to your doctor.
Superfood Support For A Restful Night’s Sleep
Tossing and turning all night not only drains you mentally but also puts your health at risk. Your body needs quality sleep and Golden Superfood Bliss can help get you there.
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- Ease occasional anxiety, so you fall asleep faster
- Support a healthy inflammatory response, rebalance hormones, and relax your body
- Combat cravings, boost your immunity, and boost fat loss
One tasty mug of Golden Superfood Bliss is all it takes to help support your body and promote restful sleep. Click the link below to give it a try today!