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  Category: Articles » Health & Fitness » Women's Health » Article
 

Menopause and Insomnia




By Cathy Taylor

Insomnia is a very common symptom reported by numerous women at the
onset of menopause. It is characterized by sleepless nights and often
uncomfortable sleep such as tossing and turning in an effort to get
comfortable. If you are primarily a mentally active person, it can become very
difficult to calm the mind. You feel restless and irritable. Welcome to the
change of life.
Insomniacs sleep is chock-full of waking up at frequent times during the night,
waking up too early, and light sleep where the ticking of a hand clock may jolt
you awake. This condition occurs during menopause because it is a side-
effect of other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and general physical
and mental discomfort. When your body is dealing with night sweats, it's easy
to have your sleep interrupted, which makes it even more difficult to be sharp
and at your best during the day.
Consuming stress-inducing foods loaded with things such as caffeine can
further stimulate tension, so it is important to maintain a caffeine-free diet.
Avoid drinking coffee as late in the day as possible. Do not over stimulate your
nervous system. Release tension by learning hatha yoga postures or how to
breath deeply and mediate.
Try altering your sleep arrangements. If you find that your pillow is not soft
enough, or maybe it's too elevated for your head, make adjustments. If you
find that the polyester blankets you're lying on does not relax the contours of
your body - switch them. It takes effort to accommodate these changes and
make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Exercise also preps the body for restful sleep. Scientific studies suggest
eating fat loaded foods are not recommended before bedtime. So a steady,
healthy is a great plus. Insomnia can be treated by consuming foods that
increase the serotonin levels in your brain so that your body relaxes. Serotonin
is responsible for aiding with sleep by calming your brain. Drink a glass of
warm milk before bedtime to help calm your nerves.
There are many causes for insomnia that stem from menopause. Depression
is characteristic of this transition and can negatively influence your sleep.
Decreasing estrogen levels can cause the on-set of depressive symptoms. In
the menstrual cycle, ovulation causes progesterone (which has soothing
effects on the mind and body) to be released.
Irregular cycles may cause anxiety to build-up, as a result of the lack of this
¡§happy hormone.¡§ For some people, taking melatonin is enough to
get a restful night. For others, a prescription sleeping pill is
necessary. Some women swear by black cohosh to help with body
flushes as well as natural sources of progesterone.
In any case, it is important to consult with your doctor in order to
decide together what treatment is best for you.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and
is not intended as medical advice.
 
 
About the Author
Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly menopause, and a copy of her book can be found at http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com
To read a sample of this book go to http://www.everythingmenopause.com/currentissue.html

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  Some other articles by Cathy Taylor
Menopause and Gastrointestinal Distress
Numerous women report that menopause comes along with gastrointestinal distress causing uncomfortable symptoms such as indigestion, flatulence and sudden bloating. Not only are these annoying and embarrassing, they can also be ...

Menopause and Headaches
During the mid-life phenomenon known as menopause, changes in headache type, duration and intensity are more common. Throbbing, explosive headaches can pain the sides of your head, and your energy become ...

Menopause and Weight Loss
During menopause, many women report that the challenge of weight loss becomes even more difficult. The need to lose weight haunts women most of the time, ...

Menopause and Osteoporosis
We know that our bodies require calcium and vitamin D in order to build and maintain powerful bones. According to his ...

Menopause and Mood Swings
Menopause can bring on mood swings that make you not recognize yourself. You know, where the slightest request from your ...

Menopause and Hair Loss
The onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long been a part of aging that many women fear the most. These ...

  
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