Is There a Connection Between Menopause and Insomnia?

Last Reviewed: Jul 21, 2023 @ 3:04 pm
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Is There a Connection Between Menopause and Insomnia?

Is There a Connection Between Menopause and Insomnia?

Yes, there is a connection between menopause and insomnia. In fact, sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, are one of the main symptoms of menopause. [1] Because advancing age is also a risk factor for sleep disorders, scientists are uncertain as to what extent menopause factors. [2]


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The Insomnia Menopause Connection

Does Menopause Cause Insomnia?

Insomnia predominantly affects women more than men, and age increases the gap. [3] The problem intensifies during peri-menopause, the three to four years prior to menopause, when hormones begin to decline. [4] During this transition stage, 16-47% of women report suffering from sleep disorders. Older women who are post-menopausal, that is, have not menstruated for more than one year, are the most affected by sleep disorders. Post menopause, 35-60% of women complain of sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. [5]

Ovarian Hormones Linked to Sleep

Is There a Link Between Low Progesterone and PMS?

Research has linked ovarian hormones to sleep. The decline of estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause are key factors in the onset of insomnia. Scientists have linked estrogen to decreased awakenings after sleep occurs [6], while progesterone acts as a sedative. [7]

Further, the loss of these hormones factors in several menopausal symptoms that have the potential to disrupt sleep.

Hot Flashes, Menopause, and Sleep

What Are the Signs of Early Onset of Menopause?

Estrogen depletion at menopause plays a role in the occurrence of hot flashes, those intense minutes that the body experiences intense heat, sweating, and chills. Hot flashes can interrupt sleep patterns. [8]

RLS, Menopause, and Sleep

Does Magnesium Help Restless Leg Syndrome?

Estrogen also plays a role in triggering restless leg syndrome, as demonstrated through research indicating that the prevalence of RLS increases significantly in pregnant women as their estrogen levels rise. But the same is true of menopausal women with dropping estrogen levels indicating that RLS may be brought on by the fluctuation of hormones. RLS leads to sleep loss. [9]

Low Magnesium, Menopause, and Sleep

What Foods Are High in Magnesium?

Low magnesium has been associated with disrupted sleep and sleep deprivation and is often seen in menopausal women. [10] Dropping estrogen and progesterone levels have been linked to low magnesium levels in the body, which function as a “relaxant” reducing sleeplessness during menopause. [11]

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Menopause

Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured?

Menopause appears to be a significant risk factor for sleep apnea in women. [12] Progesterone stimulates breathing, and both estrogen and progesterone protect from sleep-disordered breathing. [13] More than 29% of people with OSA also suffer from insomnia. [14]

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