Unlike men, women have a higher risk of experiencing disorders related to sleep. Having a good night sleep is important to stay alert and be productive during the day. Younger women seem to have no or few sleep disturbances. But if there is one major culprit why women suffer from a sleep disorder, it is the hormonal imbalance.
Understanding Women’s Hormones
The medical community has long proved that women’s hormones cause sleep disorders. So if you are having a hard time getting enough sleep at night or you constantly fight to stay awake during the day, chances are, hormonal changes are the culprit. Insomnia and sleep apnea are just some of the two most common disorders that women encounter. If there is severe disturbance in women’s sleep pattern, it can affect physical function as well as emotional and mental well-being. But it can also be the other way around. Failing to get sound sleep can increase your hormonal imbalance. Therefore, it is important to seek your doctor’s advice when you are having symptoms of sleep disorders.
The Role of the Menstrual Cycle
Women may experience lack of sleep during their periods because of breast tenderness, bloating, pelvic pains, and other menstruation-related symptoms. Moreover, for those who have regular menstrual cycles, insomnia is just expected a couple of days before their period starts. Progesterone, the hormone at work here, drops to a level that causes you to have trouble sleeping even after counting the thousandth sheep.
Sleep Disorders during Pregnancy
Lack of sleep during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, is associated with heartburn, fetal movements, frequent urination, leg cramps, and such. It is not a light matter because the mother should be prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally to care for her newborn.
When Woman’s Age Becomes a Factor
As women near the menopausal age, hormone levels rise and fall drastically, which causes sleep disorders. When you hit your late 40s to early 50s, this is the time when the estrogen level decreases. Trouble with sleeping or getting enough sleep is not only the effect of this hormonal change. You also feel more irritated and you suddenly get hot flashes.
Things Women Can do to Try to Get Better Sleep
Women hormones might be the thing to blame for your sleep disorders but there are ways to avoid feeling jet-lagged and depressed in the morning after.
- Make your bedroom as soothing and as comfortable can be.
- Make a sleep schedule and stick to it.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals before sleeping.
- Avoid too much worrying and thinking.
- If necessary, ask your doctor to prescribe you a sleeping pill.
