I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar ... About Menopause And Insomnia

It’s not easy being a woman, no matter what stage of life you are at.  When a teenager, you have acne and periods.  Each woman has a differing amount of acne or degree of menstrual problems.  If you don’t have your period, you’re either very ill or pregnant, both having their own brand of miseries. 

So don’t be upset when menopause comes around.  At least menopause ends eventually.  Old age is not a worse phase of life – it’s just different.  And then you won’t have to worry about periods, pregnancy or menopause.  I can’t make any promises about the acne.

The All-Nighter

Menopause and insomnia are usually inseparable – menopause will almost always bring on insomnia.  This is considered one of the most annoying symptoms of pre-menopause or menopause.  It is hard to get a full day’s work done when you are drowsy.  You might wake up with a night sweat, have an irritable urinary problems, wake with a persistent food craving, or just plain can’t sleep.  

Worrying about your menopause and insomnia will only make it worse.  Odds are, it’ll be years before the problem goes away by itself, so for Pete’s sake, go to doctor.

Why Me?

The reduction in hormones from your menopause can knock your body temperature around like a football.  Your doctor may suggest sleep aids, depending on you current health and past medical history, but sleeping pills are not always effective.  The best thing you can do is try not to stress out about it and explain to your family and friends what you’re going through.  Keeping up or starting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can also help your body deal with menopause and insomnia. 

Your doctor may recommend a type of hormone replacement therapy to help your menopause and insomnia symptoms lessen.  You can choose from Premarin, made from pregnant mare’s urine, to plant-based alternatives.  You can take pills, patches or creams.  

Other Tips for Dealing with Insomnia

To promote good sleep, cut down on MSG, caffeine, alcohol and smoking.  Herbal teas like chamomile or lemon balm can help you relax, as well as being tasty. 

Keeping your room dark and cool can help the body relax into sleep.  If you can possibly help it, keep your bed reserved for sleep only.  Don’t even read or watch television in bed.  Over time, the body will be subliminally programmed by laying down on the bed to go to sleep.  It’s the same logic as your bladder suddenly having to go whenever you pour water into a glass.

Image by 

Faisal Akram for Wikimedia Commons