Natural Approaches to Better Sleep During Menopause

Menopause is not the end of life. In fact, it’s a beginning of a new stage of life with freedoms and joys that previous generations of women didn’t have. We have more wisdom and life experience than ever, and we have an independence to pursue our dreams, which we had to delay during our 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Still, menopause does have symptoms, and some symptoms can be uncomfortable. The range can be mild to moderate or severe, and some women experience no symptoms at all. But one symptom can be very concerning: difficulty sleeping.

Sleep problems associated with menopause affect up to 50% of women. Some women can experience very debilitating insomnia, especially during the perimenopausal years. Even women who have slept well their entire lives may find their sleep disrupted around the mid-to-late-40s. This can be an early sign of perimenopause. The disruptions may happen spontaneously or as a result of night sweats or hot flashes.

Even though our hormones are changing, we still need restful sleep for our overall well-being. It is necessary for our moods and brain health. Insomnia exacerbates things like stress, memory loss, depression, and other physical symptoms that are common in menopause.

Let’s take a deeper look at what causes sleep disruptions during menopause and some natural strategies to help you get a good night’s sleep.