Struggling with insomnia and feeling like a zombie. Help!!
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Ugh, I’m with you. Even when I’m exhausted, some nights I just lie there wide awake, feeling like I’m stuck in a never-ending cycle of exhaustion. It’s so frustrating 😩 While they’re not a miracle cure, I’ve found sleep stories to be helpful. Out of everything I’ve tried (& I’ve tried LOTS!), they’ve been the most effective at helping me fall back asleep after waking up in the middle of the night. On those nights when sleep just feels impossible, they’ve helped me relax and feel less edgy by morning. If you’re interested, Calm has a free trial period... & if you decide to give it a go, the Matthew McConaughey sleep stories could be worth a listen... some people say he’s dreamy in more ways than one hehe! 1 -
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I know this struggle all too well 🥱🫠😭 0 -
You're not alone in this! Insomnia can be really challenging. A consistent sleep schedule and cutting out screens before bed have helped me a lot. It might be worth a try. You’ve got support here! 0 -
I am open to all suggestions! I am so desperate to get good sleep. I wake up every day feeling like I only had my eyes closed for 2 mins... I'm so serious ugh. It’s awful. 0 -
The transition to menopause can disrupt sleep in several ways, including hot flashes, hormone changes, and even snoring or sleep apnea. Lower levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone during perimenopause and menopause affect sleep quality. Progesterone, which promotes sleep, decreases, while reduced estrogen impacts brain chemicals like melatonin. Estrogen also helps carry magnesium into tissues, which is important for sleep regulation. Lower testosterone levels can further contribute to sleep problems like snoring and sleep apnea. To improve sleep, you can focus on good sleep routines, regular exercise (especially weight-bearing activities), a healthy diet, and supplements like magnesium and melatonin. Hormone replacement therapy may also help. If you're interested in these options, talk to a sanoMidLife clinician or your healthcare provider about treatments to improve sleep.
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I have heard that melatonin affects those with depression and anxiety? Myth? Truth?
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Thank you for your thoughtful question - we’re really glad you brought it up.
Does melatonin affect depression and anxiety in women during midlife?
There’s truth to this connection - with some important nuance.
Melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate our sleep–wake cycle, naturally declines with age and hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause. Because poor sleep can impact mood, restoring a healthier sleep rhythm with melatonin may indirectly improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
What does the research say?
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that melatonin use in postmenopausal women was associated with some improvements in symptoms of both anxiety and depression compared to placebo.
What does this mean?
If you’re experiencing difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and you’ve noticed that disrupted sleep seems to be affecting your mood, melatonin may be worth considering. However, because sleep and mood changes during midlife can have many contributing factors, we recommend discussing your symptoms with your primary care provider or your sanoMidLife clinician before starting new supplements. They can help identify underlying causes and offer personalized guidance tailored to your needs.
While melatonin can be a gentle, supportive addition to a midlife care plan, it’s important to note that it isn’t a substitute for therapy or medication when those are indicated.
We hope this information is helpful. If you have any follow-up questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your sanoMidLife team - they’d be delighted to support you.
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