Menopause is a time of life during which major changes occur. With the changing levels of hormones in the body, several symptoms can begin to affect the way we live our lives. Women who are going through menopause will experience typical symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats and will also have an increased risk for developing cancers.
However, along with these well documented symptoms, there are other symptoms too, which, though lesser known are just as serious. One of the most serious of these is insomnia. While measures to overcome the common symptoms are discussed at length, most women underestimate the effects menopause and insomnia can have on our lives and are unaware of how to deal with it.
Insomnia most often occurs as the result of stress on the body or mind and is more commonly a symptom of another condition rather than an illness on its own. For menopausal women the disorder is linked to the shift in hormones, which cause hot flashes and added stress on her emotional state.
How Do I Know I’m Experiencing the Effects of Menopause and Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common issue among menopausal and peri-menopausal women and is most commonly present as an inability to achieve a full night’s rest. Sufferers often awaken in the night and cannot get back to sleep.
The following are all signs that you are experiencing menopausal insomnia:
- Bouts of sleeplessness, often just before a nigh sweat or other form of warm period that could cause you to toss and turn.
- Vivid dreams
- Awakening in an anxious state with a rapid pulse rate
- Sudden bouts of wakefulness without reason.
How Can the Effects of Menopause and Insomnia be Reduced?
There’s no magic trick that can completely resolve the matter and bring instant sleep but these tips can do a lot to help reduce the effects.
- Consider Using Herbs: There are many herbs that can help you sleep and several ways to use them. Valerian, Lavender, Chamomile, Hops, and Kava Kava are all herbs used for this purpose. The most common of these is lavender which can be found in essential oil, lotion, bath soap, and sachets to be placed under the pillow. Most of these herbs can be found available as tinctures, teas and supplements. Ask your doctor before beginning any new supplements to avoid negative drug interactions.
- Start a Routine: If you make it a habit to follow a set of steps every night it can help your body and mind relax for bed. It also helps to go to sleep and wake up at specific times. Avoid naps during the day too.
- Take a Warm Bath: This relaxes your body and mind without much effort. Adding essential oils like lavender to the bath and using a lotion with the herb may help as well.
- Proper Environment: The best bedroom state to sleep in is cool, dark and comfortable.
- After Noon Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can stay in your system for longer than you think.
- Keep Your Bed for Rest: If you body recognizes the bed as a place for sleep alone it should help you relax.
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