IF YOU'RE AWAKE AT 3AM AGAIN
Awake at 3am? Could it be perimenopause?
It could be. The NHS lists trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep as a symptom of perimenopause. Here is what the sources say.
YOU'RE NOT IMAGINING IT
Sleep trouble is on the symptom list
The NHS names trouble falling or staying asleep as a symptom of perimenopause and menopause. How much it affects each woman differs a lot.
WOKEN BY HEAT?
Night sweats and sleep
- Night sweats are hot flashes that arrive after dark
- One episode can last several minutes
- The NHS says sleep problems may be worse alongside night sweats
THE NEXT-DAY EFFECT
Why you feel wrung out
The NHS says broken sleep can leave you irritable, stressed and anxious. Mood and memory symptoms may also feel worse when you're very tired.
WHAT UK GUIDELINES SAY
When night waking comes with hot flashes
In the UK, NICE guidance says menopause-specific CBT can be considered for people aged 40 or over whose night-time waking goes along with hot flashes or night sweats. It can be used alongside other options, including HRT, or by people who can't use or prefer not to try other options.
Bring this to your appointment
Questions for your doctor
- Could my night waking be linked to perimenopause?
- Are night sweats part of why I'm waking up?
- What options are there if my sleep stays broken?
As slides
Sources
- NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
- NICE (UK) NG23, Menopause: identification and management: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations
General information, not medical advice.