Do you wake up at 2:00 am and look at the clock — then can’t go back to sleep ‘til dawn? Sleeping problems like difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep and restless sleep are common in women in perimenopause and menopause. In fact insomnia is a common symptom of hormonal imbalance.
Insomnia and interrupted sleep patterns are especially common during perimenopause, affecting some one-third to two-thirds of all women. While it is true that some women need less sleep than others, there is a difference between needing less sleep and having trouble sleeping when you are tired. If you aren’t waking up refreshed in the morning, it is time to do something about your sleeplessness. You are harming your health if you don’t.
Insomnia and related sleeping problems may have many causes, but the usual culprits are:
* Night sweats, which are a clear indicator of hormonal imbalance.
* Chronic stress, which causes adrenal exhaustion and suppresses levels of DHEA, a vital regulator of sleep. This is one way you pay the price for over-scheduled lifestyles.
* Alcohol, caffeine, or carbohydrate consumption, especially in the hours before bedtime often results in sleeplessness. It is a common mistake to eat a late dinner that is high in carbs.
* Conflicts, worries or problems that create anxiety and that you have avoided dealing with or haven’t been able to resolve happily.