Insomnia is one of the most common complaints of menopausal women. Some of the main culprits are hot flushes (in 33% to 51% of women), an increase in sleep-related breathing disorders, nocturnal restlessness and depression and/or anxiety. It’s interesting to note that all these conditions increase as women’s natural hormone levels decrease. Studies have suggested that estradiol reduces nocturnal restlessness and movement, improves sleep efficiency, and increases the REM phase of sleep (which is the most restful phase). Its ability to eliminate hot flushes is well documented.
Progesterone stimulates breathing, which could explain why so many women seem to be protected against sleep-related breathing disorders during their reproductive years. Diminishing hormone levels can also contribute to hypertension and obesity, which can lead to sleep apnea, depression and anxiety-indirectly causing insomnia as well.
Lack of restful sleep isn’t just a minor inconvenience. Long-term effects of insomnia include increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, esp. breast cancer. This is largely due to the fact that your body repairs itself during sleep. Cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory is produced during waking hours. This prevents cell repair from happening. During sleep, cortisol levels are decreased and melatonin (which inhibits abnormal cell growth) is released. The result is healthy cell growth and repair. When this natural cycle is disrupted, cellular mistakes and degeneration (disease) can occur. Maintaining healthy levels of your body’s natural hormones can protect you from many common ailments once thought to be inevitable. Ask your doctor for more information.