Why Does Sleep Change During Perimenopause?

One of the most frustrating symptoms of perimenopause is poor sleep.

Many women who previously slept well suddenly experience:

• waking at 3am

• night sweats

• difficulty falling asleep

• light sleep

• anxiety at night

• racing thoughts

And often, this begins before periods stop completely.

Why Hormones Affect Sleep

Hormones such as:

• progesterone

• oestrogen

• cortisol

all influence sleep quality.

During perimenopause, fluctuations in these hormones can affect:

• body temperature

• nervous system regulation

• melatonin production

• stress resilience

Stress & Burnout Often Compound the Problem

Perimenopause frequently overlaps with:

• parenting stress

• career pressure

• ageing parents

• chronic burnout

This can place the nervous system into a prolonged “fight or flight” state.

Supporting Sleep Naturally

Support may include:

• nervous system regulation

• blood sugar support

• reducing evening stimulation

• herbal medicine

• sleep hygiene

• stress management

• supporting hot flushes