Menopause Symptoms

Insomnia

With all of the demands that life puts on you, you need your rest. Unfortunately, insomnia is a common symptom of peri-menopause and menopause hormonal imbalance that interferes with your body's repair time and puts a damper on your day-and your health.

Q: What Is Insomnia?

A: Insomnia is defined as not being able to sleep for at least four hours at a time. It can manifest itself as:

• Having trouble falling asleep
• Waking multiple times through the night
• Waking up and having trouble going back to sleep
• Waking up too early
• Restlessness

Night sweats can intensify insomnia worse, interrupting your sleep and leaving you feeling tired and groggy in the morning. Chronic lack of sleep interferes with your life, depriving you of your energy and making it hard to even concentrate.

Q: What Causes Insomnia?

A: Insomnia is caused by hormonal imbalance, as well as by medications, caffeine, sugar, stress, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and physical disorders. However, if you have always been able to sleep until now, your insomnia may be caused by a hormonal imbalance-not a serious disorder.

Many prescribed sleeping pills are addictive and a harmful crutch for treating menopause-induced insomnia. Instead, try relaxation techniques or natural sleep aids to help you get the rest you need.