Why Menopause Destroys Sleep and What Actually Helps
Why Does Menopause Wreck Your Sleep?
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause disrupt multiple sleep mechanisms, affecting up to 60% of women. Declining estrogen reduces REM sleep and increases sleep fragmentation, while progesterone loss eliminates its natural sedating effects. Hot flashes, anxiety, and mood changes create a perfect storm of sleep disruption that often persists for years without proper treatment.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
Sleep disruption is one of the most underrecognized and undertreated aspects of the menopausal transition. Women often suffer for years, trying ineffective sleep hygiene tips or becoming dependent on sleeping medications, when the real solution is addressing the underlying hormonal changes. Quality sleep is not a luxury during menopause; it’s essential for cognitive function, mood stability, and long-term health. Hormone therapy can be transformative for sleep quality in ways that no sleeping pill can match.