As we traverse menopause, we undergo great fluctuations in hormonal levels that may affect our sleep patterns and quality. Studies have shown that during the perimenopausal years, there is an increased incidence of complaints associated with sleep. Women not taking hormone replacement therapy especially reported significantly worsened problems with sleep.
Sleep problems can seriously affect quality of life as well as productivity and safety.
When we are exhausted, it may affect our mood, our relationships and our work. We may not be as sharp as usual, and our attention and reflexes may be dulled. Anyone who has been driving and noticed themselves fading behind the wheel can remember the resulting adrenaline surge when we realize that we might have had a serious accident. Persons with inadequate or unsatisfying sleep have been shown to report more health problems than those without sleep problems. In addition, women with sleep problems are at increased risk for mood or anxiety disorders such as depression and also for cardiovascular disease.