If you suffer from menopause, you know everything in your life can feel flipped upside down. It is hard to feel the best version of yourself when your hormones fluctuate, on top of sleepless nights. Read on to learn how CBD may improve sleep in menopausal women!
Effects of menopause on the system
How your body experiences menopause may vary from your friends or even family members. One element all women can agree on is this change is hell, and it can take a physical and emotional toll.
When you enter menopause, it can feel like every molecule of your body is somehow changing. Your hair may change colour or start to thin, and your body weight may increase. Your mood can change in an instant, and the nights bring dreaded sweats that keep you up all night long.
Menopause and decreased sleep
The soundest sleeper in the world may not be able to compete with menopause. The fluctuating hormones are relentless, and for some reason, nighttime seems to amplify everything. It is common for women to experience decreased quality of sleep during menopause. Partly because they are not able to sleep as long, and the quality suffers too.
Sleepless nights can eventually develop into full-blown insomnia. It is defined as the inability to fall asleep, followed by the inability to stay asleep. People who suffer from this sleep disorder suffer from mood swings, low energy and experience a decreased quality of life.
CBD may help with sleep
CBD is an active cannabinoid agent that may have therapeutic benefits for sleep regulation. It is available in many different forms, and users prefer CBD over THC because it does not create any high sensations.
Your body has endocannabinoid receptors throughout the entire system. These are natural receptors that only receive cannabinoid agents, like CBD. There may be benefits of taking CBD products to improve mood regulation, sleep hygiene practices, and inflammation. Women who suffer from menopause suffer from at least two of those conditions.
Early research indicates that consistent use of CBD may help women reach sleep for extended periods. Menopausal women should rejoice at this promising discovery! It has the potential to unlock a full nights sleep again!
You operate at your best level when you are well-rested. Using CBD products may help decrease your insomnia and also lessen anxiety related to poor sleep. As of this moment, CBD has not been linked to assists with fluctuating body temperatures, and other interventions will need to be implemented to manage hot flashes during the nights.
How can I sleep better during menopause?
Identify what is the biggest culprit preventing your sleep. Do you feel physically uncomfortable due to temperature discrepancies? Try to sleep in light clothing that allows air to flow. If you live in a warm climate, consider ditching the pyjamas altogether and sleeping nude.
Add a fan to your bedroom to help air circulation. If you start to sweat overnight, the fan can blow cool air, and you should feel a little better. There is nothing worse than lying in bed, sweating, and feeling frustrated that you can not get back to sleep. In these moments, get up and get yourself a glass of water, then try to sleep again.
If you are physically comfortable at night, consider any mental stimulation that may be preventing you from sleeping. Many women experience racing thoughts and anxiety during menopause which prevents sleep.
Review your nighttime routine. Try to commit to a schedule that helps you feel calm before going to sleep. It may include unplugging your phone an hour before you tuck in for the night. Or, have a book or bath that helps you relax. These practices should calm your body and mind before bed and set you up for a successful night of sleep.
You may consider visiting a mental health specialist for counselling to support you during this time. Fluctuating hormones and sleep deprivation combined are enough to make anyone feel like they are losing their mind. A counsellor can educate and equip you with strategies to combat late-night thoughts that may be keeping you up at night.
Menopause insomnia remedies
Women all over the world have experimented with different remedies to improve their insomnia. Many of these suggestions are anecdotal, with little to no scientific evidence to back up their claims.
Oral magnesium tablets may improve your sleep. It is an essential mineral that can calm the body to prepare for proper rest. Use this supplement consistently for the best results. Be careful; too much magnesium can send you running to the toilet!
Limit your intake of caffeine and nicotine products during the day, and avoid them within two hours of going to bed. These products are stimulating and will have an excitatory effect on your system. If you are craving a hot drink late in the day, try to have a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea instead of coffee.
Avoid napping during the day. This will ensure you arrive at your bed ready to sleep the whole night. If you catch yourself dozing off, get up from your seat, and move around. The movement will encourage circulation and can refresh your body and mind.
Include exercise and physical activity as often as possible! The more you do, the better you will feel! Physical movement signals the brain to create happy hormones. This is the exact remedy your body needs when staving off the side effects of sleepless nights during menopause.
In Summary
Women in menopause are likely to experience decreased quality of sleep. Try to detect if your most significant barrier to sleep is due to physical discomfort or racing thoughts.
Consider trying CBD products to regulate your sleep. They have the potential to be helpful, although more research is required in this field.
You can also focus on other lifestyles changes to improve your sleep. Decrease caffeine intake, avoid napping, and complete as much physical activity as you can!