What’s the Main Cause of Insomnia in Females?

Sleep is a cornerstone of overall health. As you sleep, your body has a chance to rest, reset, and prepare for the day ahead. Those zzz’s are essential to immunity, cognitive function, heart health, tissue repair, and hormonal balance. 

Unfortunately, insomnia is a prevalent health concern – particularly in women. In fact, an estimated one in four women experiences some insomnia symptoms. Below, we’ll explore the most common cause of insomnia in females and what can be done to address it. 

Why is Insomnia More Common in Females?

Insomnia is more common in females because women undergo significant hormonal fluctuations at various stages of life. These fluctuations occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. 

Insomnia from PMS

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a collection of symptoms that typically begin five to 10 days before menstruation and go away a few days after menstruation begins. Insomnia is a possible PMS symptom, likely due to elevated progesterone levels. Progesterone elevates body temperature, which can cause disrupted sleep. 

Sleep Disruptions During Pregnancy

Insomnia is common in the first and last trimesters of pregnancy. Elevated estrogen and progesterone levels can impact your sleep cycles, potentially making it difficult to sleep. Physical discomfort during pregnancy can also contribute to insomnia symptoms. 

Menopause

Many women experience insomnia during menopause, perimenopause (the transitional period leading up to menopause), and post-menopause. During these stages, estrogen and progesterone levels gradually decline, causing changes throughout the body.

Insomnia during menopause is often linked to hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and elevated stress levels. 

Addressing Insomnia in Women

The right approach to insomnia differs from woman to woman. If you’re struggling with insomnia from menopause, bioidentical hormone therapy can rebalance your estrogen and progesterone levels to alleviate sleep disturbances. 

A variety of holistic therapies, including acupuncture, therapeutic yoga, and lifestyle adjustments can also promote hormonal balance in women. This can improve your sleep quality and prevent insomnia symptoms. 

If you’re struggling with insomnia, reach out to the team at Mind Body Spirit Care for individualized support. Book your appointment today!