Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Menopausal Insomnia? - 5 Ways To Sleep Through Menopause

How many hours' sleep did you get last night? The experts tell us that as an adult we need 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep a night to stay healthy, alert and able to function effectively in our daily lives. Unfortunately for many women going through menopause, that amount of undisturbed nightly rest is nothing but a pipe dream!

Lack of sleep can leave you irritable, unable to concentrate at work or on daily tasks. Over time, insomnia can lead to depression and a weakened immune system.

Although the inability to get a good night's sleep can be linked to psychological issues such as anxiety, stress at work, relationship or family worries and financial concerns, changes in hormone levels are often the root cause of insomnia in women during the menopausal years.

A decline in progesterone, which normally has a sleep-inducing effect, can mean you are not able to fall asleep quickly or soundly, while decreasing estrogen levels may cause hot flashes and night sweats, waking you up several times a night and interrupting your sleep cycle.

How To Get A Good Night's Sleep

Fortunately there are ways that you can wind down your body and your mind to induce sleep and get the rest you need.

    Natural & Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are a safe and natural drug-free alternative treatment for menopausal symptoms and insomnia.Plant extracts such as Black Cohosh and Dong Quai have been shown to address the hormone imbalance that causes sleeplessness, hot flashes and night sweats. Melatonin, Passion Flower and Valerian Root can be effective in helping you to relax and in promoting restful sleep.