Ask the Experts- September 2020

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I’m 48 years of age and have insomnia.  Do hot flashes cause insomnia?  I’m having trouble coping. And, my husband is really complaining because I constantly change the thermostat and awaken him during the night!  Help!

Thank you.

Catherine

Dear Catherine,

Insomnia is a classic sign that menopause is on its way.  Many women are awakened by hot flashes occurring at night.  Hot flashes which occur at night often causes women to wake up sweating.  Their nightclothes and bed linens may have so much sweat on them that they need to be changed.  Sometimes, women have to shower after this occurs.  I’m certain that you may be having a temperature control war going on.  Many partners complain they are freezing because of women opening windows or having air-conditioning on too cold.

Some women, are hardly affected can they can merely toss off their covers and fall back to sleep.  While others, such as yourself cannot fall back to sleep. There are other women who go back to sleep, then in a half an hour or so, they wake up again.  Unfortunately they lose REM sleep that is necessary for a satisfactory rest.

One of the things you might want to do is to try to nap or rest during the day.  If you do this, it may help you better cope with the demands of your life.

If you find insomnia is taking a real toll on your life, speak to your healthcare provider.  He/she will help to decipher the possible causes and determine potential treatments.  It may include making changes to your nightly routine or behavioral therapy or medication options.

And, be sure to exercise and stay active.  This will help promote a good night’s sleep.