How Does Menopause Affect Sleep?

Most women in the United States undergo menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of menopause being 52. The period leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, and the period after menopause is called postmenopause. 

The point at which menopause occurs precisely is hard to pin down. There is no test for it, so it is normally accepted to have occurred once a woman has gone an entire 12 months with no spotting or periods.

Most people know the old saws about menopause, or “the change” as it has often been called. Mood swings, irritability, and the urge to tamper with the thermostat are just a few jokes at older women’s expense. What many people don’t talk about is how hard it can be to simply sleep.

At Women’s Health Services, with locations in Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas, our team of experienced OBGYNs is here for you as you navigate symptoms before and after menopause, including difficulties with sleeping at night.

Menopause sleep problems are more common than you think

Every woman experiences menopause differently: some with just almost no symptoms and others with every issue in the book and then some. Most women have at least a few symptoms for anywhere from 2-8 years, starting during perimenopause and lasting some time into postmenopause.  

About 46% of women have trouble sleeping during perimenopause, and after menopause, that number jumps to around 50%. That’s half of all the women you meet aged 45-50 and up. Who wouldn’t be a little cranky when they can never get enough sleep?

Menopause-related sleep deprivation 

Here are some of the ways menopause can negatively affect sleep cycles in menopausal women:

Insomnia

Up to 60% of menopausal women report issues with sleeping — and many also report issues with daytime fatigue caused by lack of sleep. This can literally be life-threatening, especially if you have to drive during the day.

Hormonal surges

Hot flashes and night sweats triggered by hormonal surges at night can wake you in a hurry, with a small adrenalin rush that can make it hard to fall back asleep in your sweat-soaked sheets.

Sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can stop your breathing multiple times a night, as the soft tissues in the back of your throat collapse slightly. Don’t worry: your brain wakes you up just enough for breathing to restart. Even if you don't regain consciousness, however, you never get to fall into truly restful sleep.

Women in perimenopause are 21% more likely to develop OSA than their younger counterparts and 31% more likely when they are in postmenopause. Studies suggest that low progesterone caused by menopause may be responsible for the relaxation of the upper airways and the increased incidence of OSA in menopausal women.

Restless leg syndrome

Many women develop restless legs syndrome (RLS) when they enter menopause. RLS is an uncontrollable urge to move and shift your legs during the night, which can keep you awake. It’s been speculated that fluctuation in your hormones can make you more susceptible to RLS, as pregnant women are also prone to the issue.

Sleep better with menopause

In many cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including sleeplessness related to hormonal changes. At Women’s Health Services, we offer highly customized HRT to help you sleep better at night and can also suggest additional ways to improve your sleep, such as lifestyle changes.

To find out if you’re a good candidate for HRT to improve your sleep and control your other menopause symptoms, contact your nearest location for an appointment or book online today.