Hormone fluctuations. Hot flashes and night sweats. Depression and changes in mood. Coincidental and age-related changes in health and social issues. All of these factors associated with menopause can affect a patient’s sleep quality.
Hormone fluctuations. Hot flashes and night sweats. Depression and changes in mood. Coincidental and age-related changes in health and social issues. All of these factors associated with menopause can affect a patient’s sleep quality. In fact, according to one estimate, the prevalence of insomnia rises by approximately 40% during the period of transition to menopause and after menopause. Since sleep is so crucial to well-being, what can be done to help patients suffering from menopause-related sleep disturbances?
We invited Dr Howard Kravitz to shed some light on sleep disturbances associated with menopause. Dr Kravitz is the Stanley G Harris Family Professor of Psychiatry and professor of preventive medicine at Rush University Medical Center. He has published extensively on sleep and sleep issues, particularly in mid-life and menopausal women.
Take-Home Tips:
• Don’t wait for the patient to ask you about sleep issues. Since menopause-related sleep issues are so prevalent, talk to your patient about potential symptoms and sleep quality issues.
• Know your resources. Refer patients to sleep disorder centers or psychiatrists/psychologists as necessary.
• Women may be interested in herbal/alternative medicines, but research indicates that, at best, they are not helpful and at worst, they are dangerous. Talk to your patients, find out what they have read and why they are interested in such, and negotiate a safe treatment plan.
Resources for Patients:
Menopause and Sleep, from the National Sleep FoundationSleep and Menopause, WebMD
To Sleep, Perchance To Dream: Recognizing and Addressing Menopause-Related Sleep Disruption
Hormone therapy safety: Study finds potential benefits for senior women
April 24th 2024A recent large-scale study challenged age-related concerns, suggesting hormone therapy may offer safety and even benefits for menopausal women aged over 65 years, aligning with The Menopause Society's 2022 Position Statement.
Read More
Elinzanetant's efficacy for vasomotor symptoms confirmed in phase 3 trial
March 19th 2024Bayer's OASIS 3 trial affirmsed the safety and efficacy of elinzanetant in reducing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, bolstering confidence in its potential as a non-hormonal solution for menopause-related issues.
Read More
Hormone therapy safety: Study finds potential benefits for senior women
April 24th 2024A recent large-scale study challenged age-related concerns, suggesting hormone therapy may offer safety and even benefits for menopausal women aged over 65 years, aligning with The Menopause Society's 2022 Position Statement.
Read More
Elinzanetant's efficacy for vasomotor symptoms confirmed in phase 3 trial
March 19th 2024Bayer's OASIS 3 trial affirmsed the safety and efficacy of elinzanetant in reducing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, bolstering confidence in its potential as a non-hormonal solution for menopause-related issues.
Read More
2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512