Sometimes perimenopausal women find themselves having difficulty falling asleep and trouble staying asleep, especially when they are experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. Dealing with hormonal changes that are causing insomnia can be a challenge to many women. Often a woman needs to make some lifestyle changes to sleep better at night. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when trying to fall asleep:

Do:

• Turn the lights off.
• Minimize noises.
• Keep the bedroom at a cool and comfortable temperature.
• Exercise earlier in the day (exercising too close to retiring for the night can have a stimulating effect).

Don't:

• Drink alcoholic beverages.
• Use caffeine products.
• Smoke.
• Eat a big meal before bedtime.

How can insomnia be treated?

If lifestyle changes do not make any impact in overcoming sleep difficulties, a physician should be consulted. There are medical conditions, such as allergies, anemia, sleep apnea or thyroid disorders, which also can cause insomnia.

Related Articles Menstrual Changes Fertility Changes Hot Flashes Mood Swings Urinary Problems Lower Sex Drive Heart Palpitations in Menopause

External Sources The North American Menopause Society The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Hollander LE, Freeman EW, Sammel MD, et al. Sleep quality, estradiol levels, and behavioral factors in late reproductive age women. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2001;98

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.