Why May Menopause Cause Insomnia?
Reduced Melatonin Levels
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally released by the body. It can be produced by different parts, such as the pineal gland, bone marrow, gut, and eyes. Often known as the sleep hormone, high levels of melatonin may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It is particularly important at the beginning of your sleep cycle. Some studies suggest that the body of people during menopause and postmenopause may release less melatonin. This leads to sleep issues and triggers symptoms of insomnia. [3]
Hormonal Changes
When women reach perimenopause, their ovaries start releasing fewer key hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. When levels of these hormones go down, many symptoms of menopause appear. And one of them is the sleeping habit. This is probably because progesterone is known as a sleep-inducing hormone. When the body does not produce it enough, it can be more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. This leads to typical signs of insomnia. [4]
