Feeling the Zzz’s During Menopause

The constant nodding off. The inability to concentrate. The lack of interest in everything that doesn’t involve a pillow or a comfy place to sit. This is the experience that many women have day after a long day, and it isn’t the result of a late night out. Chronic fatigue can get the best of us, and unfortunately another cup of coffee isn’t going to do the trick.

Chronic fatigue is one of the most common menopause symptoms. In Rochester Hills, women at all stages of menopause are seeking support to help them stay awake, but many are looking in the wrong place. Fatigue develops during menopause as a result of hormonal imbalances, and if you don’t do anything about it your drooping eyelids may hang around for years.

Hormonal imbalance causes fatigue by disrupting sleeping habits. It can do this in a number of ways, like:

• Causing night sweats and hot flashes that will wake you up during the night
• Prompting insomnia
• Increasing anxiety levels
• Increasing your risk of depression
• Causing you to be more sensitive to pain that keeps you awake

Fighting Fatigue during Menopause

When menopausal fatigue is your problem, the standard dose of caffeine isn’t going to be much help. A cup of coffee can perk you up after a few hours of missed sleep, but hormonal imbalance runs deep. Aside from keeping you up at night, decreased hormone levels can reduce your natural energy levels.

Anti-aging treatments like hormone replacement therapy can restore hormone levels to their proper stages and naturally improve your energy levels. Along with your anti-aging therapy program, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to fight fatigue the natural way.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Cut out caffeine. The natural upper can actually cause more harm than good. If you need something warm to drink in the morning try a cup of green tea instead.
• Drop the temperature. Hot flashes can make moderate temperatures feel uncomfortable. Work with your body when this happens by having fans around that you can use to cool off quicker.
• Exercise more. Exercise can naturally increase your energy levels following your workout, but can also leave you ready for bed at the end of the day. This can improve your sleeping habits and increase your alertness during the day.
• Try relaxing. Journaling, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation are all great ways to reduce stress, which could cause additional fatigue if you aren’t careful.

Menopausal fatigue can wear down your spirit, leaving you feeling mentally drained and ready to go back to bed. Use some of the above techniques to increase your interest in day-to-day activities.