Causes of Postmenopausal Insomnia In Westen Medicine

Most women will experience postmenopausal insomnia as a result of one of three things occurring in the body:

• Postmenopausal Hormone Changes: During menopause, women will experience drastic changes in their estrogen and progestogen hormones. As the secretion of these hormones decrease, women will experience many symptoms, such as mood disturbances, hot flashes, and sleep problems (insomnia). Learn how acupuncture can help with hot flashes here.
• Sleep Apnea: After menopause, many women will develop additional sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. This stems from the same loss of reproductive hormones that explains insomnia.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: RLS is a common side effect associated with menopause. RLS can be worsened if postmenopausal women also have high blood pressure, are overweight, do not exercise, as well as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.

Kidney & Menopause Sleep Problems

In TCM, postmenopausal sleep problems occur in a women’s seventh cycle. This is explained by TCM’s definition of a cycle, which is every seven years – putting a women’s seventh cycle at age 49. During this cycle, the functions of the kidney decline along with a number of other bodily functions. 

TCM directly associates postmenopausal symptoms like sleep problems with dysfunction of the kidney. During post-menopause, it is normal for women to experience a gradual reduction of kidney Qi. This leads to an imbalance between Qi and blood, a Yin-Yang disharmony that subsequently effects organ function. The common two root cause are:

Kidney Deficiency: A deficiency of Jing, which is similar to oestrogen. Jing is stored in the kidneys, the organ responsible for growth, maturation and ageing. The concept of Yin is one of cooling and nourishing for the body. If Kidney Yin is deficient, heat will result. This can lead to difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, and may also cause dreams or nightmares. Apart from sleep disruptions, kidney yin deficiency may also cause several other symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and warmth sensation of in the palms and soles of the feet.

Stagnation of Liver Qi: Liver regulates the smooth flow of blood and emotions. If Liver Qi becomes constrained, it can cause restless mind, tense in the body , making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, mood swings, stress headaches, and insomnia may arise. 

Menopause Sleep Problems Natural Remedies UK

TCM can help identify the proper solution to postmenopausal symptoms like sleep loss through an identification of specific holistic disruptions in the body’s Qi. Women who are looking for the best menopause sleep problems natural remedies may find solace in the following solutions.

1. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has long been used as a solution to many different disruptions of Qi in the body. An acupuncturist can identify specific meridians where an imbalance of Qi can be targeted.

Acupuncture specialists believe that a treatment for specific points will help nourish Yin, subdue fire, clean the heart, calm the mind, and regulate Yin and Yang, serving as a resolution to sleep disorders.

In combination, researchers believe that certain acupoints, “can deal with the symptoms and the root causative factors and calm the mind.” These points directly address the imbalance of Qi that is likely to occur during post-menopause in major organs, such as the liver and kidney.

2. Natural Herbs for Menopause Sleep Problems – Best Herbal Supplements

Many women will benefit from addressing their post-menopausal sleep problems with a natural and holistic perspective. The following list details many of the most powerful and effective natural supplements utilized as a treatment for postmenopausal sleep problems.

• Black Cohosh: Many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of black cohosh as a treatment for postmenopausal sleep problems. Black cohosh was additionally found as an effective supplement to treat hot flashes and night sweats – two postmenopausal symptoms that are often coincide with sleep loss. It can help address many of the symptoms associated with a decline in reproductive hormones like estrogen and progestogen. Learn more about Black Cohosh for menopause here.
• Jujube Seed: There have been multiple studies supporting the effectiveness of jujube seed improving the sleep quality of postmenopausal women. It is especially effective in reducing the number of sleep disturbances in women who experience sleep problems as a result of added stress and anxiety alongside postmenopausal symptoms.
• Chrysanthemum Tea: In TCM, chrysanthemum tea is thought of as a Yang in nature. Drinking chrysanthemum tea on a regular basis may be able to help relieve sleep problems associated with the imbalance of Yin and Yang during post-menopause. It has been known to be especially effective in women who experience hot flashes and feelings of being overheated while sleeping.
• Valerian Root: Valerian root is a common supplement recommended to women who are entering or experiencing menopause. It has proven to be an effective supplement in treating many menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, headaches, and stress. Research shows that valerian root may help relieve the effects of physical, emotional, and behavioral stress that are associated with post-menopause.
• Kun Bao Tang : Kun Bao Tang by GinSen are natural menopause supplements to support a smooth menopausal transition without interfering in their daily life. Inspired by principles of Chinese Medicine, this natural remedy can be used to manage menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, restlessness, and reduced lethargy. Formulated by experts Kun Bao Tang works to improve your well-being before, during and after menopause. Buy here.

While most women would benefit from taking the above-mentioned supplements alone, they are most effective when combined with the practice of acupuncture. This holistic combination has been proven to offer immediate relief to postmenopausal symptoms, such as sleep problems and hot flashes.

Menopause Sleep Problems Natural Remedies : Additional Tips

It is recommended for women to take an all-encompassing approach to relieving post-menopausal symptoms like sleep loss. There are many practices post-menopausal women may want to consider adopting alongside acupuncture and taking the recommended supplements above.

1. Follow a regular sleep schedule: A regimented sleep schedule can help regulate the internal clock in the body. By telling the body when it is time to go to sleep, postmenopausal women may be able to also regulate sleep problems such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
2. Avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening: For the same reason that it is wise to follow a regular sleep schedule, it is also wise to avoid taking a nap in the later part of the day. Naps can disrupt the internal clock of the body and result in a restless feeling when it comes time to actual go to bed for the night.
3. Avoid use of television, computer, or mobile device before bed: Avoiding the blue light that is emitted from electronic devises is crucial for better sleep. Blue light can trick the human brain into thinking it is daytime when it is actually not.
4. Exercise at regular times each day: Exercising at the same time each day can help develop a routine for the body. It can help regulate the body’s use of energy throughout the day and promote a restoration of energy at night.
5. Keep your bedroom at a cool and comfortable temperature: The body will naturally go into a mode of rest and recovery at a cooler, comfortable temperature. If possible, it is best to regulate bedroom temperature between 60 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime: Like many of the other tips on this list, eating large meals can affect the body’s circadian rhythm. As a rule of thumb, do not eat large meals in the three hours before bedtime.
7. Stay away from caffeine: Caffeine is a natural stimulant or energizer. Consumption of too much caffeine can worsen the postmenopausal symptoms like insomnia.
8. Develop a bedtime routine: Any scheduled routine can help regulate the body’s internal clock and promote better sleep. Each woman may have a different routine. The most important thing is to stick to the routine each night.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.