More than 60% of post-menopausal women report insomnia symptoms. In fact, in their lifetimes, women report the most problems with their sleep during perimenopause and post-menopause. Most sleep problems are caused by hot flashes, mood disorders, insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing. Snoring, accompanied by pauses or gasps in breathing, are signs of a more serious sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). An estimated 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, including one in four over 65. While sleep apnea is more common in men, its prevalence in women increases after age 50. Because being overweight is a risk factor for sleep apnea, the increase in abdominal fat during menopause may be one reason menopausal are 3.5 times as likely to get this sleep disorder. Some attribute the hormonal changes, such as the decrease in progesterone, as a trigger for apnea. As sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure and stroke, it is important to speak to your doctor if you are exhibiting symptoms.

Changing and decreasing levels of estrogen cause many menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, which are unexpected feelings of heat all over the body accompanied by sweating. They usually begin around the face and spread to the chest affecting 75-85% of women around menopause. Prior to the hot flash, body temperature rises and is accompanied by an awakening. Hot flashes last an average of 3 minutes leading to decreased sleep efficiency. Most women experience these symptoms for one year, but about 25% have hot flashes for five years. While total sleep time may not suffer, sleep quality does. Hot flashes may interrupt sleep and frequent awakenings cause next-day fatigue. If you are experiencing these symptoms please contact your healthcare professional to seek advice.

Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. ~Thomas Dekker