Prevalence Of Menopause And Insomnia

Studies have revealed that an estimated 15- 17 % of women undergoing menopause also suffer from insomnia. Menopause and insomnia in women are usually related to each together. Women going through their menopause frequently suffer from insomnia.

Menopause and insomnia occurs at the same time due to the reduction and imbalance of hormones associated with menopause. This will lead to stress and anxiety followed by depression that deprives the menopausal woman of sleep.

Symptoms of insomnia in menopausal women:
1. Difficulty in falling asleep.
2. Waking up very early in the morning.
3. Feeling fatigue upon waking up.
4. Waking up with hot flashes and sweating.
5. Having vivid dreams
6. Waking up with a thumping beat.

Treatment

Insomnia is can be treated with prescribed medications, herbal formulas, psychological treatment and nutrition. For menopause and insomnia that happened at the same time, hormone replacement therapy is used too. However, it is not effective in all women and different women going through menopause respond differently to this therapy. When the body’s hormonal imbalance settles down by itself, the related insomnia will disappear too.

Food

Food such as dates, milk, gif, banana and tuna have high content of tryptophan are recommended for women who are experiencing menopause and insomnia. Food such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine must be avoided at all times as they are stimulating. In addition, bacon, sausages and cheese must be avoided as they contain high content of tyramine.

Sleep

Besides food, it is recommended to have more sleep for women going through menopause. They tend to have some lack of sleep when they suffer from such illness. Things to take note:
1. Do not take naps in the day.
2. A person’s natural requirement for sleep decreases as they age.
3. Leave your sleep to the night.
4. Use the bed for sleeping only.
5. Do not use the bed for reading, eating, and watching TV.
6. Do not take sleeping pills regularly.
7. A warm bath or shower is helpful.
8. Keep the bedroom cool through ventilation and cooling devices to prevent sweating.
9. Wear socks before dropping off and remove them soon as you feel warm enough.

Relaxation Techniques

Trying some relaxation techniques might work for woman experiencing menopause and insomnia. Some great exercises include yoga and mild aerobic. Other things that people experiencing good results are meditation and listening to light music.

January 29 2007 08:30 am Del.icio.us Digg Furl