1 in 6 Women Have Trouble Sleeping
Do you have trouble sleeping? Find yourself awake in the dark, in the middle of the night, or staring at the ceiling trying to fall asleep?
It appears that you are not alone. In the years that lead into menopause – that could be 5 to 8 years – and during menopause, many women struggle with getting restful sleep or enough sleep. I am guessing this knowledge is not as comforting as possibly a solution to the problem.
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, marked by the end of menstrual cycles. While it’s a normal biological transition, it often brings uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido. To manage these changes, women generally turn to one of two paths: prescription medications or natural remedies.
Prescription treatments often include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which helps replenish the estrogen and progesterone levels that decline during menopause. HRT has proven effective in reducing symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and it can even help protect against osteoporosis. However, it is not without risks—studies have shown that long-term use may increase the likelihood of certain cancers, blood clots, and stroke. Because of these potential side effects, many women either avoid HRT or eventually seek alternative solutions.
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Personally, I have always preferred a more natural approach when I have health issues. Menopause Balance Complex from Shaklee, the most clinically proven wellness company in the world, is an example.
Natural approaches to menopause symptom relief have grown in popularity, especially among women who prefer a holistic or integrative health path. These can include lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition, regular exercise, stress reduction techniques like yoga or meditation, and the use of herbal supplements. Common herbs like black cohosh, red clover, and evening primrose oil have been traditionally used to ease menopausal symptoms. Additionally, phytoestrogens found in foods like soy and flaxseed may help balance hormone levels naturally.
The key ingredient in Menopause Balance Complex is black cohosh, and it also provides soy isoflavones and flaxseed lignans – phytoestrogens that are currently being studied for heart, bone, and breast health.*
Ultimately, the choice between prescription drugs and natural remedies often depends on a woman’s individual symptoms, overall health, risk factors, and personal beliefs. For many, it’s not an either/or decision—some combine both approaches to find the most effective relief. Consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in both conventional and natural therapies can help women make the best choices for their unique needs.
Menopause and Sleep Loss.
My body doesn’t seem to ‘like’ meds and so I look for a natural solution whenever there is one. I have needed one for sleep as this was the most troublesome symptom I had during menopause. Somehow I was spared hot flashes and I am thankful for that.
Not getting enough sleep is HARD, especially if it goes on for awhile.
I also believe that stress and/or anxiety can definitely affect sleep. Of course they both can go along with menopause.
Exercise, stretching, relaxing, or something similar that you prefer – when done on a regular basis – can help A LOT. Also, I think that your diet can affect your restful sleep. That could be a topic for an entire article but is worth a little personal research if you think what you are eating can be keeping you awake.
Herbal Sleep Remedies
In terms of a natural supplement that can help you sleep, Shaklee’s solution is a combination of ingredients – just like all of their herbal remedies that are ‘complexes’. Shaklee finds ingredients that work together better than any one works on their own!
The main ingredients in Dream Serene are melatonin and a proprietary blend of valerian, lemon balm and L-theanine for more restful sleep. Dream Serene helps you fall asleep, stay asleep, and alleviate occasional sleeplessness.*
Valerian usage goes back to 2 A.D. and many healing properties are associated with it. Supporting ingredients are German chamomile and passionflower. All are safe to use and have no side effects.
Valerian Extract
Valerian can be used for nervous exhaustion, nervous dyspepsia (upset stomach), headaches, panic attacks, insomnia, and to improve your quality of sleep. It has also been used successfully with children who have behavioral disorders, are hyperactive or fearful.
Research and clinical studies show that Valerian has muscle relaxing properties, and can improve your quality of sleep as well as shorten the time it takes to fall asleep. Prescription meds can suppress your normal level of nocturnal movement, though Valerian will not change it. Sleep medications can also interact with other sedatives, including alcohol, and Valerian does not.
If you are frustrated because you are awake for extended periods in the middle of the night, or have trouble falling asleep, you might want to give a natural approach a try. You don’t have the worries of side effects and you are keeping you body as close to its normal rhythm as possible – while enjoying restful sleep.
To learn more about this herbal sleep remedy visit: Dream Serene.
The natural nutrition brand we recommend here on the blog are products we have personally used for the past 43+ years. We are not medical professionals. We are on a personal health journey to live younger, energized and healthy longer.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.