Sleep Disorders FAQ

The importance of a good night of sleep is an idea that has been emphasized since childhood for most women, and with good reason. Studies show that lack of sleep leads to decreased function in the daytime, including lack of concentration, irritability, and a weaker immune system.

For women undergoing menopause, this can be even more devastating as they are dealing with shifting hormones and all the stresses of adult life. Fortunately, sleep disorders can be managed and even treated. Below are the most frequently asked questions about this troubling yet common menopausal symptom.

Sleep Disorders	Q: What are sleep disorders? A: Women experiencing sleep disorders persistently undergo disruptions in their sleep cycles, perhaps waking up frequently during the night, or waking up too early in the morning. On average the recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is 7-8 hours of unbroken sleep per night, although this will vary in between individuals. For someone experiencing sleep disorders, this minimum amount of necessary sleep is not met, leading to a host of other stresses. Q: What are common symptoms of sleep disorders? A: As there are up to 80 estimated sleep disorders, a wide array of symptoms exist that a woman is capable of experiencing. In general however, symptoms of sleep disorders fall into three main categories, within which overlap is common.
Sleep Disorders Overview About Sleep Disorders What are sleep disorders? Symptoms Types Effects When to see a doctor Causes of Sleep Disorders Hormonal Psychological causes Other risk factors Treatments for Sleep Disorders Sleep Disorders FAQ

If unsure whether she is experiencing disruptions in sleep patterns, it may be helpful for a woman to keep a sleep diary, indicating which hours she is able to sleep, how many times a night she wakes up, and any daytime exhaustion she experiences. This may make it easier to notice patterns of sleep loss.

A: Sleep disorders are one of the most normal and frequent symptoms of menopause, with up to 65% of all women experiencing sleep disturbances of some kind.

Keep reading to learn which of the sleep disorders are most commonly experienced by women going through menopause.

A: While women may possibly experience any number of sleep disorders, the top sleep disturbances that they are likely to encounter during menopause are:

Insomnia	Inability to fall asleep and/or waking up on a frequent basis throughout the night.
Sleep Apnea	The temporary cessation of breathing throughout the night, lasting 10 seconds or longer.
Snoring	Oftentimes associated with sleep apnea, a loud, hoarse breathing that occurs during sleep.
Narcolepsy	Excessive daytime sleepiness that results in "sleep attacks," or an irresistible urge to sleep at inappropriate times.
Restless Leg Syndrome	Unpleasant sensation occurring in the legs at rest, producing an urge to move them, often characterized as aching, fidgety, or itchy.

While these are the most commonly experienced sleep disorders, there are dozens of others.

A: Though sleep disorders are an extremely common occurrence during the menopausal years, some women are more likely to be affected. Factors including age, race, and lifestyle all can influence a woman´s ability to get a sound night of sleep.

Common Risk Factors: • Obesity • High blood pressure • Age • Use of caffeine/nicotine • Use of drugs/alcohol • Inactivity/lack of exercise • Working rotating/night shifts

A: The primary reason why a woman may develop sleep disorders during menopause relates to the hormonal fluctuations that are taking place within her body.

Other causes: Psychological reasons come into play as well. Stress, anxiety and depression can all disrupt sleep and lead to various sleep disorders. Anxiety is closely linked to an inability to fall asleep, whereas depression is linked to early morning wakefulness.

A: Lower levels of estrogen are associated with the other menopausal symptoms that may lead to sleep disorders. Decreased estrogen is linked to hot flashes and night sweats, along with an increased incidence of snoring or disturbances in breathing. Progesterone works to induce sleep, thus with decreased levels in the body a woman is more prone to insomnia. Read below to find out how to reduce the incidence of sleep disorders

A: Through the implementation of some simple lifestyle changes it is possible for a woman to increase the frequency and quality of sleep. Here are some tips:

Tips: • Exercise regularly • Avoid caffeine and other stimulants • Avoid exercise close to bedtime • Use bed only for sleep • Practice stress relief techniques • Establish regularity in sleep routine

A: If these lifestyle changes don´t help, it may be necessary to turn to natural supplements or other alternative therapies that help get to the root of the problem. If desperate, medication can be used to help restore a regular sleeping pattern. Keep reading to learn more about treatments for sleep disorders.

A: To treat long lasting sleep disorders, it is necessary to first figure out what the underlying cause of the disorder is. In menopausal women, the cause is often hormonal, in which case alternative therapies which promote hormone production are both safe and effective.

In more serious cases, it may be necessary to see a doctor who can prescribe medication. Sleeping pills should only be used as a short term solution, as they can have other side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and don´t promote a healthy sleep cycle.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.