Sleep disturbances are common during menopause. Many women may experience difficulty falling or staying asleep as they enter this phase of life. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 61% of postmenopausal women experience sleep problems.
Estrogen and progesterone help regulate neurotransmitters that affect your sleep-wake cycle. Estrogen helps keep your body temperature low at night. When its levels start to decline during menopause, you may experience higher body temperature, resulting in hot flashes and night sweats that may disrupt sleep. Progesterone, on the other hand, promotes relaxation. A decrease in the level of this hormone may result in poor quality sleep.
The anxiety that comes with menopause can also cause sleep disruptions. Additionally, menopausal weight gain that can exacerbate snoring and sleep apnea can make staying asleep a challenge.