Menopause brings on more changes which impact sleep. During menopause, there is a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone. The decline in estrogen can lead to hot flashes which cause unexpected feelings of heat all over the body and are often accompanied by sweating. These hot flashes interrupt sleep causing frequent awakenings. The result is daytime sleepiness and increased feelings of insomnia.
Most sleep problems reported by women, occur during menopause.
However, after menopause this difference narrows. Apnea increases in women after the age of 50. Furthermore, women are more likely than men to report pain during the night. Finally, shiftwork also has an affect on a woman's body. Women are encouraged to speak to their sleep professional about their sleep problems.