Is Menopause Interfering with Your Sleep?

Menopause can interfere with you sleeping well. Learn how to relieve sleeplessness, night sweats and hot flashes and ways to help achieve the a good night’s sleep. 

You’re not alone

With major changes happening during menopause, it’s not surprising that menopause symptoms aren’t just physical. Sleep disturbance can affect up to 50% of women during menopause – for many women symptoms of menopause like hot flushes and night sweats may be the main cause.

Why don’t we sleep well during menopause?

The exact reason why sleep disturbance is so common in women going through menopause isn’t clear. But quite a few factors are likely to be culprits.

Changing hormone levels

All those hormonal changes during menopause may be involved in disruption to your body clock, which may make it harder for you to fall asleep, or stay asleep.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Menopause hot flushes at night– which are very common – can cause your body temperature to rise while you sleep. This can make you wake up through the night and reduce your sleep quality.

Other age-related health conditions 

As we all age, other health conditions can develop and start to have an impact on our sleep. For example, joint pain and mild anxiety due to menopause can contribute to poorer sleep.

Relieving menopausal sleeplessness

Since sleeping well can be such a challenge during menopause, it’s helpful to look at ways of helping to improve your sleep.  We’ve put together our top natural remedies and lifestyle tips that may support a more restful sleep. Some of the things you can do are especially helpful for women with menopause symptoms, and others are great for everyone who needs help to sleep well. 

Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise is well known for helping improve sleep, mood and vitality. Just remember not to exercise just before bedtime, as that can sometimes interfere with sleep. 

Avoid caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can be long-lasting. For some people it can stay in their system for up to 8 hours, so consider switching to decaf if you enjoy an afternoon coffee. Caffeine can also trigger menopausal hot flashes in some women which may make it more uncomfortable to get to sleep. 

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol might make you drowsy, but it’s not necessarily going to help you with sleep. In fact, it can negatively affect the quality of your sleep. So, like caffeine, it’s best avoided if you struggle with sleep.

Stay cool

If you suffer from hot flushes, keeping your bedroom at a comfortable temperature that’s not too warm can help with sleep. A cool shower before bed and breathable sleepwear are also good ways to try to stay cool and sleep through the night or at least help minimise sleep disruption.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxing activities such as doing breathing exercises, meditation or yoga, reading a printed book, and listening to soothing sounds may also help you to relieve nighttime tension so you can sleep well.

Schedule your sleep

Sticking to a sleep schedule is very helpful for quality sleep. So it’s best to try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. And if you nap, make it early afternoon (aim for before 3pm).

Get some morning sun

Exposure to natural daylight, especially during the morning, can help in resetting and maintaining your sleep pattern.

Healthcare Support

It is also important to speak to your health professional if you find that despite improving your sleeping habits disrupted sleep persists.  Your health professional can help you get a an understanding of what else might help improve your sleep.