This article was initiated by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Idorsia has paid Mediaplanet for the publication of this article. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Dr Zoe Schaedel. Idorsia had no editorial control and reviewed the article for ABPI Code compliance only.
Dr Zoe Schaedel
NHS GP with special interest in sleep and menopause. Co-Director of Myla Health and Co-founder of The Good Sleep Clinic
Sleepless nights can become all too familiar during life transitions such as the menopause. However, understanding what’s behind them and how to seek support can help you reclaim those restful nights.
Sleep disturbance is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the menopause, affecting 40–60% of women.1
A troubling menopause symptom
Hot flushes, night sweats, hormone fluctuations and heightened anxiety or depression can turn restful nights into a struggle.2,3 Sleep problems can emerge at almost any stage; they are often one of the first symptoms of perimenopause. Although, for some women, they won’t appear until they have reached menopause.4 Regardless of when sleep problems first begin, their impact can be overwhelming.
Daytime impact of sleep loss
From restless nights to waking up too early, the effects of sleep loss on daily life can be profound. A quarter of women going through perimenopause and menopause experience insomnia that affects their daily activities.3 Many women experience shifts in their mood and increased anxiety, alongside struggles with concentration and ‘brain fog.’ This also contributes to challenges in workplace performance. In fact, one in 10 women who have worked during the menopause leave their job due to their symptoms.5
Chronic insomnia is a persistent medical
condition that can have a significant
impact on day-to-day functioning.
Spotting the signs of insomnia
Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking up too early.6 If these symptoms continue for at least three nights a week for over three months, despite an adequate opportunity to sleep, this is defined as chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia is a persistent medical condition that can have a significant impact on day-to-day functioning.7,8 It is important to recognise when insomnia is chronic, as this may be more than just a ‘symptom’ of menopause; it requires a professional diagnosis and should be managed appropriately.
How to seek help
Many women experiencing menopause feel they must cope with sleep issues on their own. If persistent sleep issues are affecting daily life, speak to your GP. They can guide you towards the best treatment — whether that be hormone replacement therapy (HRT), cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or other non-hormonal options.4 It is important to know that support is available. Don’t hesitate to seek the help you deserve to regain control of your sleep, health and wellbeing.
Job code: UK-DSA-00045
Date of preparation: October 2024
[1] Baker, F. C., et al. (2018). Sleep Med Clin, 13(3):443-456.
[2] Zhou, Q., et al. (2021). BMC Women’s Health, 21, 293.
[3] Baker, F.C., et al. (2018). Nat Sci Sleep, 10, 73–95.
[4] Duralde, E.R., et al. (2023). BMJ, 382, pp.e072612–e072612.
[5] Bazeley, A., et al. (2022). The Fawcett Society. Available at: https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=9672cf45-5f13-4b69-8882-1e5e643ac8a6.
[6] NHS. (2024). Insomnia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/.
[7 American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2014). The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (3rd ed.; ICSD-3).
[8] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC.
