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If you’ve had children, you’re probably familiar with sleep loss, and you were probably glad to see that time end. Unfortunately, menopause is another time of life that can be accompanied by sleep problems.
While you may be tempted to ask the doctor for sleeping pills, there are better options. In this blog, Darin L. Weyhrich, MD, discusses the link between menopause and sleep problems and what can be done to get better sleep.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 61% of women experience sleep problems during menopause. The reasons for these sleep problems can be varied and complex.
One reason can be due to the declining levels of estrogen. This can trigger, for example, hot flashes and night sweats, which can be uncomfortable and disrupt a woman’s ability to get quality sleep.
Sleep problems during menopause can also occur due to stress. Many women during their menopausal years deal with the needs of young adult children and aging parents at the same time. Furthermore, many menopausal women are still in the workforce, which can be an additional source of stress.
Fortunately, you don’t have to resign yourself to living with menopause-related sleep problems. Although it might seem like taking sleeping pills would solve the problem, there are often better solutions. Here are some things that may help you.
Consuming a diet that’s low in carbohydrates may help you get a better sleep. Why? Because low-carb diets help many women balance their hormones. If your hormones are out of balance, eating a low-carb diet may help keep you on a more even keel.
Engaging in physical activity may also help you get a better sleep, especially if your usual lifestyle is pretty sedentary. You don’t have to become a full-fledged fitness fanatic to reap the benefits, either. Even a 30-minute walk most days of the week may be enough to provide some relief.
Reducing stress is also important. Not only does stress increase the likelihood of having trouble sleeping, but it increases your risk of developing heart disease as well. Make a concerted effort to reduce stress by adopting healthy daily habits to unwind, such as meditating, doing yoga, writing in a journal, or praying.
Another thing that may help you get a better sleep is to undergo hormone replacement therapy. This therapy does exactly what it sounds like. It replaces the hormones you’ve lost, which, in turn, can help your body find balance again.
If you’re going through menopause and struggling with getting a good night’s sleep, we can help you take control of the situation. To learn more, book an appointment over the phone with the office of Darin L. Weyhrich, MD, today.
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