Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Treatment

What are the most common causes of insomnia in women?

Common causes include hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, thyroid disorders, cortisol imbalances, anxiety and depression, chronic pain conditions, medications, caffeine consumption, and poor sleep hygiene. Perimenopause and menopause are particularly disruptive to sleep patterns.

How do hormones affect sleep quality?

Estrogen and progesterone significantly influence sleep. Declining estrogen during menopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats that disrupt sleep. Low progesterone reduces the production of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. Cortisol imbalances can cause early morning awakening or difficulty falling asleep.

What sleep disorders are most common in women?

Women commonly experience insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea (especially after menopause), and circadian rhythm disorders. Hormonal changes throughout life make women more susceptible to sleep disturbances than men.

Can hormone replacement therapy improve sleep?

Yes, bioidentical hormone therapy can significantly improve sleep quality by addressing hormonal imbalances that disrupt sleep. Estrogen helps regulate body temperature and reduces hot flashes, while progesterone has natural sedating properties that promote deeper sleep.

What role does nutrition play in sleep quality?

Nutrition significantly affects sleep. Blood sugar imbalances can cause middle-of-the-night awakening. Deficiencies in magnesium, B vitamins, and amino acids like tryptophan can impair sleep. Timing of meals, caffeine intake, and alcohol consumption all influence sleep quality.

How long should it take to fall asleep normally?

Healthy sleep latency (time to fall asleep) is typically 10-20 minutes. Taking longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep regularly, or waking frequently during the night, indicates a sleep disorder that should be evaluated and treated.

What natural approaches can improve sleep?

Natural approaches include optimizing sleep hygiene, managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise (but not close to bedtime), maintaining consistent sleep schedules, creating a cool, dark sleep environment, and addressing nutritional deficiencies. Herbal supplements like valerian, passionflower, and HOPS may also help.

How do you evaluate sleep disorders?

Our evaluation includes assessment of hormonal status, evaluation of stress levels and mood, nutritional assessment, and review of medications and lifestyle factors. We may recommend sleep studies for suspected sleep apnea or other breathing disorders.