Menopause is the time of a woman’s life when the body no longer releases monthly eggs, and the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone is substantially reduced. As a result of these changes, many women experience difficulties with sleep.

Symptoms associated with menopause may cause discomfort and interfere with sleep. Menopausal symptoms that may disrupt sleep include:

• Reduced hormone production. Menopause causes a woman’s ovaries to produce reduced amounts of the hormones such as progesterone. This hormone helps to promote sleep, among other functions.

  

• Hot flashes. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause affect the hypothalamus, which is the region of the brain responsible for controlling body temperature and sleep cycles. These hormonal changes may cause the body temperature to rise, resulting in hot flashes that typically last about three minutes. Hot flashes may occur at any time of the day or night. Hot flashes that occur at night are sometimes called “night sweats” due to the excessive perspiration involved.
  
  
• Mood disorders. Some women experience depression during menopause, which can also interfere with sleep.

In many cases, the best way to treat sleep problems associated with menopause is to treat the hormonal changes that occur during menopause. For example, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications can help reduce hot flashes that disrupt sleep. However, HRT medications may have serious side effects. The Women’s Health Initiative Study identified increased risks for heart attack, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer with HRT. Patients are urged to discuss with their physician the potential risks and benefits before using HRT medications to treat their symptoms.  

A healthy diet, regular exercise and a cool, comfortable sleep environment may also help reduce sleep problems associated with menopause.