Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women and can have a significant impact on sleep. During menopause, women may experience hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms that can disrupt sleep. Hormonal changes can also contribute to insomnia and other sleep disorders. However, sleep disruption doesn’t have to be a guaranteed side effect.
Getting adequate sleep is important for maintaining health and wellbeing in older adults. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep difficulties, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
When it comes to mitigating menopause-related sleep disruptions, the Eight Sleep Pod Cover is the first product that comes to mind for us.
For one, the Eight Sleep Pod Cover features a temperature-regulating technology, called autopilot, which can help regulate temperature throughout the night and reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. The autopilot feature can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature of the bed based on the user’s preferences and sleep stages, keeping them comfortable and promoting better sleep.
Additionally, the Eight Sleep Pod Cover is designed to begin cooling up to an hour before your typical bedtime. This means you can expect cool, crisp sheets and a cozy sleep environment right when you arrive. Understanding the importance of that critical crawl-into-bed moment, Eight Sleep has been clinically proven to help individuals fall asleep up to 44% faster, and achieve 34% deeper sleep.
Whether you’re in menopause or not, sleep is a complex physiological process that is essential for human health and wellbeing. During sleep, the body undergoes a series of processes that help restore and repair tissues, consolidate memories, and regulate various bodily functions.
In adults, sleep occurs in cycles that are divided into two main stages: non-REM (NREM) sleep and REM sleep. NREM sleep is further divided into three stages, with each stage characterized by different brainwave patterns and physiological processes.
During NREM sleep, the body undergoes processes such as tissue repair and growth, hormone regulation, and memory consolidation. REM sleep, on the other hand, is associated with processes such as dreaming, emotional regulation, and learning.
Sleep is important for many aspects of physical and mental health. Thus, it’s no surprise that chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a range of health problems including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
In addition to the health risks associated with chronic sleep deprivation, short-term sleep loss can also have negative effects on the body. These effects include:
- Impaired cognitive function, including reduced memory and attention span
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries, such as falls and car accidents
- Changes in mood, such as irritability and anxiety
- Reduced immune function, making the body more susceptible to illness
- Increased inflammation, which can contribute to a range of health problems.
The exact amount of sleep needed can vary depending on individual factors, but most adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep per night. It’s important to prioritize sleep and take steps to create a healthy sleep environment to ensure optimal physical and mental health.
While sleep is important for all age groups, it becomes especially critical for older adults due to changes in sleep patterns and increased risk for sleep disorders. Here are some specific details on how common age-related sleep disorders and menopause can impact sleep:
- Insomnia: Insomnia is a common sleep disorder among older adults, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, medication side effects, and changes in sleep patterns.
- Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. Older adults are at higher risk for sleep apnea due to changes in muscle tone and increased risk for obesity.
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS): RLS is a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations such as tingling or burning. RLS can disrupt sleep and is more common in older adults.
Because sleep can become troublesome for older individuals, it’s important to invest in tools that help us optimize our sleep. Eight Sleep’s premium features can help to address a number of the sleep issues that individuals face, promoting more restful sleep, increased physical and mental recovery, and better day-to-day health as a result.
Use code AGEIST at checkout for an additional $50 off your Eight Sleep order sitewide.