Articles on women’s health,
from periods to menopause.
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Having trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep? You are not alone!
it is estimated that around one in four women experience insomnia at some point in their lives. Female insomnia can have a significant impact on women's health and quality of life, so it is important to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Female insomnia is one of the most common sleeping disorders found in women, which can be defined as the inability to fall asleep, waking up too early in the morning, and/or feeling unrested for at least 3 days a week for at least 3 months in a row.
The amount of hours of sleep that a woman needs depends on the age and activity level of the individual.
An average woman needs about 6-9 hours of sleep on a daily basis
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According to the Oxford Academy of sleep, females are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience insomnia than males.
Apart from other factors which we shall discuss in detail, some of the major causes for this could be due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
There is no perfect study and answer to why insomnia is more common in women. That being said, one of the main causes of insomnia in women is hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, which can easily disrupt sleep patterns.
Women are also more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, which are known to cause insomnia. Additionally, women tend to have more responsibilities and stressors, such as caring for children and aging parents, which can also contribute to sleep difficulties.
Overall, the combination of hormonal changes and lifestyle factors makes insomnia more prevalent in women.
Insomnia can be classified into two based on occurrence - primary and secondary.
Insomnia in females can also be classified based on experience as such:
Chronic insomnia: Insomnia can be classified as chronic insomnia if the condition (sleeplessness) persists for at least 3 months and above.
Some of the major causes of female insomnia include:
Lifestyle factors can also contribute to insomnia in women. These include:
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause sleep problems for women. Pregnant women may experience discomfort, back pain, and frequent urination, which can disrupt their sleep.
After childbirth, women may experience postpartum depression, which can also cause insomnia.(study)
Mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression can cause insomnia in women.
Women are more likely to experience these conditions than men, which may be one reason why insomnia is more common in women. (study)
Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes for women. The decrease in estrogen levels can cause hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia.
Women who have gone through menopause are more likely to experience insomnia than women who have not. (study)
Bladder-related issues such as an overreactive bladder can lead to frequent urination at night, also known as nocturia.
This can mess up your sleeping pattern and cause insomnia. (study)
Chronic pain and medical conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome can cause insomnia in women.
These conditions can cause discomfort and pain, which can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. (study)
Some medications that can cause insomnia in women include:
Some of the major symptoms of insomnia in females can include:
If you feel like you are facing Insomnia after reading the causes, types, and other factors of female insomnia mentioned above, then it is advised that you contact your healthcare provider for support.
They would diagnose you with any of the below-given measures:
There are several treatment options for female insomnia, including:
Behavioral therapies focus on changing habits and behaviors that contribute to insomnia. These can include:
CBT-I is a specific type of therapy that helps people with insomnia change their thoughts and behaviors related to sleep.
It is an effective treatment for insomnia and can be done with a therapist or through self-help materials.
There are several medications that can be used to treat insomnia, including:
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication for insomnia, as some can be habit-forming or have side effects.
There are several natural remedies that can be used to treat insomnia, including:
Sleep hygiene refers to habits and behaviors that promote healthy sleep. These can include:
Some of the key steps that you can take to avoid or prevent female insomnia are:
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects many women. It can be caused by hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options for insomnia, including behavioral therapies, medication, natural remedies, and sleep hygiene.
If you think you may have insomnia, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Founder of Elara Care and O.A. Dip. Certified Women's Health Practitioner, Jas is working to create better solutions for women since 2018, sharing her struggles and experiences with female health
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