April 06, 2004

By: Tammy Brown
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com

Advice and tips from the National Sleep Foundation

The latest reports casting doubts on the safety of certain types of hormone replacement therapies regarding increased risks of health problems may mean that many women will seek alternatives for dealing with symptoms of menopause.

The difficult decision is further complicated by the knowledge that without HRT, some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia may increase, impacting negatively on a woman’s sleep and, in turn, her overall quality of life.

Between 40-50 million women in America are menopausal. According to a 1998 poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 40 percent of menopausal women suffer from sleep problems, usually related to hot flashes. More than one-half of the menopausal and postmenopausal women polled (56%) reported frequent insomnia.

However, as one NSF sleep expert cautions, there are many causes of insomnia during this period of life.

Sleep problems need to be evaluated, whenever they occur, but it is particularly important for the women experiencing menopause, said Margaret Moline, PhD, Director of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University in White Plains, NY.

Sleep problems, especially sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and even snoring become more common as women age, and any of these conditions can disrupt sleep, Dr. Moline added. (Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, and loud, heavy snoring can also be a symptom. Signs of restless legs syndrome include creepy-crawly feelings inside the foot, calf or upper leg that produce an urge to move the legs).

Dr. Moline noted that older people tend to take more medications that can interact and lead to insomnia or daytime sleepiness. Whatever the cause, interrupted sleep on a regular basis can result in frequent daytime sleepiness which, in turn, can affect a woman’s mood and behavior.

Like any other sleep deprived person, she may be more irritable and quick to anger. She will be at a greater risk of falling asleep at the wheel, possibly injuring herself and others. The quality of the sleep you get at night definitely affects the quality of your life during the day, Dr. Moline said.

There are some products that target problems experienced by women who are not taking either estrogen or hormone replacement therapy. These include nutritional products and medications such as calcium supplements, vitamin D and bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis, and sleep promoting drugs for insomnia.

Sleeping in a cool, well-ventilated room, wearing lightweight clothing made of natural fibers instead of synthetics, and keeping a regular bedtime routine can also help in getting a good night’s sleep, said Dr. Mansoor Ahmed.

While the HRT or estrogen replacement therapy may reduce menopausal symptoms for some women, whether or not a woman should begin or continue the regimen can be a difficult decision, which should be discussed with a physician or other health care provider. Sleep habits should also be discussed.

Difficulty sleeping at night or excessive sleepiness during the day can be signs of a sleep disorder that can be treated. It is also important to tell the doctor about any prescription or over the counter drugs taken on a regular basis.

About The Author:

Tammy Brown is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com.  Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.