Why Sleep Is Your Superpower During Perimenopause and Menopause!

12 Dec

Let’s be honest — sleep can feel like a distant dream during perimenopause and menopause. Between tossing, turning, and those dreaded night sweats, restful nights might seem hard to come by. But here’s the thing: sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. It’s a critical part of keeping your body and mind functioning at their best during this transformative time.

Oestrogen and progesterone, along with serotonin, melatonin, and cortisol all play a significant role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle. As oestrogen and progesterone start to dip and fluctuate, you might find yourself struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently, or dealing with night sweats. Unfortunately, these disruptions don’t just affect your nights — they impact your days, too. Fatigue, brain fog, and irritability are just the tip of the iceberg.

Sleep is when your body gets to work on detoxifying and repairing itself and your brain is busy cleansing itself, storing memories, and balancing emotions. Without enough quality rest, brain fog, mood swings, and stress can hit even harder. Long-term, poor-quality sleep can increase risks for issues like heart disease, weight gain and a weakened immune system.

So, how do you reclaim your sleep? Start with a calming bedtime routine that works for you. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends!). Create a sleep-friendly space. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet — think of it as your sanctuary. If night sweats are keeping you up, moisture-wicking pyjamas and breathable bedding can be sleep savers.

Prepare yourself for bed by finishing your evening meal three hours before your intended bedtime. Unplug from electronic devices at least an hour before you slip under the covers. And while a glass of wine or late-night coffee might be tempting, they can sabotage your sleep, so it’s best to skip them. Instead, wind down with some deep breathing, gentle yoga, journalling, or meditation to quiet your mind and lull you into a restful night's sleep.

When you make sleep a priority, you’ll feel the difference - your energy, focus, overall mood and ability to navigate your day all get a well-deserved boost. Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s your secret weapon for thriving through menopause and beyond. Sweet dreams!