by Dasa Suciu

Created on: July 25, 2010

One of the most common symptoms of menopause is insomnia. Menopause is a natural event in the life of a woman and corresponds to the end the fertile period. This discomfort is caused by lack of estrogen, which alters the thermoregulatory system causing both insomnia and other symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating, lack of concentration, joint pain, depression, etc.

Sleep is a necessary phase for the balance of the body, and when missing, it results in tiredness that may contribute to increased anxiety and nervousness or even depression. Many people especially women choose the solution of sleeping pills to treat insomnia. But it has been proved it is an extremely dangerous solution sometimes that may lead to addiction or severe mental disorders. If insomnia affects your activity during the day, your doctor may prescribe some tablets, but for a short period. Do not take it more than the recommended because pills will lose their effect. Eventually, all doctors agree: the best weapons against insomnia are the natural remedies, plus some little tricks that can provide you a better sleep.

Natural remedies for insomnia

Herbal tea of Lemon balm is one of the best. This herb possesses a sedative effect and is good also for palpitations and depression, frequent symptoms of menopause. In fact, you may find it in the composition of many herbal pills for insomnia or stress.

Extract of Tilia Cordata buds make small miracles. It acts on the neurovegetative system, heart and arterial vascular system. Action is hypnotic, sedative and calming. It can be used when changing gradually from the therapy with sleeping pills. Take 30-40 drops three times daily.

Products obtained from Valerian root are considered the most effective remedy against insomnia, anxiety, emotional disorder. For a good sleep, valerian is administered daily, 30 minutes before bedtime. Researchers have shown that the effect it produces on the body is pretty mild; it does not create addiction in time nor sleepiness during the day. First effects occur only after two or three weeks of treatment. Valerian has also the property of reducing blood pressure.

Useful Tips

- Practice some physical exercise or work during the day or take a long walk before going to bed. Sedentary life is an enemy of good sleep.

- Before going to bed take a warm relaxing bath, drinking a glass of milk, if you have not colitis, or an infusion of chamomile, hawthorn, and marjoram or linden flower.

- Clear the air of the room before going to sleep to have plenty of fresh air.

- Be sure to keep room temperature neither too warm nor too cold (in any event not less than 20 degrees Celsius).

- Reduce the time for watching television, and the amount of caffeine consumed during the day.

- Do not eat indigestible food at dinner (meat, meat products, fat cheese etc.). Eat foods that contain magnesium (low fat cheese, potatoes, lettuce, bananas).

- Do not drink carbonated drinks based on caffeine, no not eat chocolate and do not smoke.

- Go to sleep the same hour every night if possible. Developing and maintaining this reflex will help for a quick falling asleep.

- Avoid sleeping in a room full of electric appliances or cell phones because electromagnetic fields may disturb your sleep.

Insomnia at menopause is not a problem that can't be solved. You have to be determined to choose what's best for you and change some bad habits that may trigger lack of sleep during the night.

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