7 Common Causes of Insomnia in Middle-Aged Women

7 Common Causes of Insomnia in Middle-Aged Women : Insomnia is a common problem that can affect everyone, however, statistically more women than men experience sleep problems, especially women after the age of 45. But what are the most common causes of insomnia in middle-aged women?

Normally insomnia can’t be pin-pointed to a single factor and there is a combination of elements that form the root of the cause. Knowing what those potential causes are can help address the problem earlier and if needed seek help from a professional, so you can start sleeping better.

In this article we will explore the seven most common causes of insomnia in middle-aged women and give you some tips on how to manage your sleep schedule if you’re suffering from sleep problems.

Stress and Anxiety

Sleep and mental health often go hand in hand, and it’s far more common for women to experience sleep problems related to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety or depression.

There is no proven scientific explanation as to why women are more likely to experience stress-related insomnia. Biological factors, as well as differences in cultural and social conditions between men and women are at play here.

The usual role of women as the primary caregivers in the family, can be a contributing factor of stress that can in turn affect their emotional health and lead to sleep problems. This is especially common in middle-aged women who are also experiencing age-related hormonal changes.

Urinary Problems

Problems with the bladder are another reason many women wake up in the middle of the night. Women often experience issues with an overactive bladder more commonly than men.

Studies show that 76% of women over 40 suffer with nocturia (frequent urination at night) which is one of the common causes of insomnia in middle-aged women.

Hormonal Changes Due to Menopause

During menopause, middle-aged women experience a decline in estrogen levels which can be a contributing factor to sleep disturbances. From hot flushes and cold sweats to mood swings and anxiety, hormonal chanages during menopause come with a variety of symptoms that can lead to insomnia.

Menopausal decline of progesterone is also one of the leading causes of insomnia in middle-aged women since it’s a hormone that has a sleep inducing effect.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a condition diagnosed with a strong urge to move one’s limbs while lying down and is commonly connected with difficulties with sleeping.

Though what causes restless legs syndrome is unknown, it’s a condition that is more common in women than in men and can be a contributing factor for insomnia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes your breathing to stop and start while you sleep. It can lead to a decrease in airflow, reduced oxygen levels and sleep disturbances, as well as potential serious health risks.

While the men are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea at a higher rate, women also suffer from the condition, but oftentimes they can go undiagnosed.

Response to Medications

Another contributing cause for insomnia in middle-aged women can be response to certain medications. For instance, women can feel the effects of sleep-promoting medications for longer, which can lead to drowsiness in the morning.

Parasomnias

Abnormal sleeping patterns, known as parasomnias, can be another factor which can lead to bad sleep quality. Nightmare disorder, which is characterised by frequent, vivid, night terrors is a condition commonly reported in women and a potential cause of insomnia to look out for.

How to Treat Insomnia in Middle-Aged Women?

Depending on the cause of the issue, there are many different ways to treat insomnia.

Sometimes simple fixes, such as limiting the amount of screen time before bed and taking melatonin supplements can be enough to combat insomnia, however, sometimes there is a deeper cause to the issue that needs to be addressed.

Prolonged periods of insomnia can affect other aspects of your everyday life including your mental and physical health, work productivity and general mood.

If you are struggling with irregular sleep and nothing seems to be helping, the best thing to do is refer to a specialist and get a diagnosis. Consulting with a professional as soon as possible means you can enjoy your life without worrying about your sleep.