Publications
Partners
Insomnia (sleeplessness) can be caused by hot flushes at night which may be accompanied by night sweats as a result of fluctuating hormone levels.
Insomnia may already be experienced some years before menopause, and it is a problem mainly because it can cause daytime tiredness.
What you can do
- Half an hour’s exercise every day will help for insomnia as long as you don’t exercise late in the afternoon or at night.
- Avoid smoking, heavy meals, coffee and alcohol after 4 pm and don’t work late.
- Make sure your room is dark and cool.
Reviewed and updated by Dr Alan Alperstein, obestetrician and gynaecologists in Cape Town, in February 2011.
Previously partly reviewed by Dr Mike Davey, President of the South African Menopause Society & Dr Tobie de Villiers, gynaecologist and committee member of both the South African Menopause and International Menopause Societies.
