Research: Hormone balance affects sleep quality
By Better Health Research News Desk • Oct 3rd, 2008 • Category: Health News, Health Resources News, Hormone balance
Women who are past menopause may sleep for longer, but the quality of their sleep is less satisfying, a new study suggests.
Changes in a hormone known as FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) are linked to the duration and quality of sleep, scientists said.
They looked at the sleep profiles of 365 women and found that those who were nearing the end of menopause or were postmenopausal experienced deeper, more consolidated sleep – but reported feeling less rested – than their premenopausal counterparts.
According to lead researcher MaryFran Soers of the University of Michigan, this outcome is related to how quickly FSH changes as part of a menopausal transition.
The findings, published in the journal Sleep, conclude by suggesting that women undergoing rapid FSH changes may want to target and treat their menopausal symptoms, rather than just concentrating on their sleep characteristics.
Other menopausal symptoms commonly reported by women include hot flashes, night sweats and irritability. Those who want to ease these types of symptoms may want to consider taking an herbal supplement to balance their estrogen dominance.
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