### Menopause and Sleep: Understanding the Connection Many women experience sleep disturbances during menopause, which can lead to various health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and anxiety. A study published in the journal Menopause in December 2019 explored the effects of menopause on sleep quality and sleep disorders. Researchers studied 6,100 Canadian women aged 45 to 60, dividing them into pre/perimenopausal and post-menopausal groups. They found that post-menopausal women took longer to fall asleep and were more likely to develop sleep-onset insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, menopause did not significantly impact issues like staying asleep, excessive sleepiness, restless leg syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Dr. Stephanie Faubion from the North American Menopause Society emphasizes that sleep issues in midlife women are often under-addressed, despite their association with poor health outcomes. The study confirmed that sleep disruptions are related to menopause rather than age, primarily affecting the ability to fall asleep. The exact biological mechanisms behind this are still unknown, but hormonal changes are suspected to play a role. For those struggling with sleep issues, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended as the first-line treatment for insomnia. This therapy helps change sleep habits and reframe negative thoughts about sleep. If more complex issues like OSA or restless leg syndrome are suspected, consulting a sleep clinician is advised.###