Millions of women face sleep loss due to menopause

Sleep deprivation affects women in their 40s due to menopause.

Millions of women in their 40s face sleep disruptions from menopause

Many women in their 40s and 50s are waking up between 2am and 4am due to hormonal shifts related to menopause and perimenopause. Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles as estrogen and progesterone levels drop, often occurring between ages 45 and 55. Research shows that a significant number of women report troublesome menopause symptoms, including sleep disturbances. Studies indicate that around 40% of perimenopausal women struggle with sleep issues. Health experts advise women to understand these changes and seek support as they can impact careers and well-being significantly. Elevated cortisol levels during early hours and drops in blood sugar also contribute to these sleep challenges.

The sleep disturbances experienced by women during menopause highlight a critical gap in health education and support. It is concerning that despite nearly universal experiences of menopause, many healthcare providers lack adequate training on the subject. This lack of understanding not only affects women's health outcomes but can also have serious implications for their professional lives. The issue needs to be addressed comprehensively, including improved education for healthcare professionals and more awareness of the symptoms women face during this transition period.

Highlights

Understanding menopause as a critical health issue can foster better care and support for affected women.