Marla Ahlgrimm Offers Suggestions on Coping with Menopause-Induced Insomnia

It isn’t fun, states pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, but menopause is a time in a woman’s life that brings many interruptions to her daily – and nightly – routine. Here, women’s health pioneer Marla Ahlgrimm offers information on how to deal with a mid-night crisis.

Causes of Insomnia During Menopause

While experts cannot pinpoint an exact cause of all instances of menopausal insomnia, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the falling estrogen levels during this time may have a lot to do with it. Most women experience hot flashes during menopause, notes Marla Ahlgrimm. This can increase a woman’s chance of waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat and unable to go back to sleep. Additionally, Marla Ahlgrimm believes that the emotional toll associated with this transitional stage of life can invoke sleeplessness.
Another possible cause of insomnia in menopausal women is a natural decrease in progesterone, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Progesterone is a sleep-promoting hormone naturally produced by the body.

Sleep Made Easier

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many things that can be done to manage night waking and restlessness:

Keep Cool – Women who experience hot flashes, reveals Marla Ahlgrimm, may want to keep a cool, wet washcloth near the bed. Not only will this offer a cooling sensation but will also wipe away sticky and uncomfortable sweat.

Lights On – Light-weight material, that is. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women suffering from night sweats and nocturnal hot flashes can really benefit from sleeping under cotton sheets and loose-fitting cotton or sheer material sleep clothes.

Lights Off – As with other forms of insomnia, notes Marla Ahlgrimm, creating a calm and soothing environment is paramount to a restful night’s sleep. Marla Ahlgrimm suggests foregoing television or computer time in the bedroom and sleeping with as little light as possible.

Bye-bye Birdie – While most people would not actually sleep with a pet bird, Marla Ahlgrimm says that many people are accustomed to napping with their four-legged companions. However, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that animals emit heat which may cause a sleep disturbance throughout the night. As well, some women are mildly allergic to their animals without realizing it. An allergic reaction may also cause unwanted night waking, contends Marla Ahlgrimm.

Prevent Pain– Marla Ahlgrimm explains that many women may also be achy during menopause. If this is the case, taking a mild pain reliever occasionally is suggested before going to bed. Marla Ahlgrimm, however, cautions against any medication that contains a stimulant.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that most women will experience insomnia during menopause but it is far from uncommon. In her work, Marla Ahlgrimm has found that hormone therapy, also referred to as HRT, has shown significant improvements with this and other menopause-related symptoms. She explains that when self-care is not sufficient to eliminate severe menopause symptoms, hormone therapy is a viable option. By replacing deficient hormones with estrogen and bioidentical progesterone, the body can return to some state of normalcy and allow for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm has spent her entire career dedicated to women’s health and hormone issues. For the last 30 years, she has worked with physicians all over the world to promote the benefits of bioidentical hormone treatment. Marla Ahlgrimm is the founder and current Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Health America.

For more information on Marla Ahlgrimm or to read current women’s health topics visit marlaahlgrimmonline.com.