Women and Sleep Part 2 - The Menopause
Added Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007 at 7:25 am | View Comments
Going through the menopause can be a very stressful time for women. While your GP can advise on factors out of your control, such as hormones and medication, there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to ensure that you continue to get a good night’s rest.
While they may be inevitable disruptions to your sleep, such as hot flashes and other natural sleep obstacles, putting our top tips to work can help to tip the odds in your favour and let you enjoy a better quality of rest.
Be Consistent
One of the most important factors that women can control during the menopause is that of a consistent bedtime and waking time. Going to bed late, getting up early and generally confusing your body and brain could lead to more erratic sleep, more night time awakenings and daytime fatigue. This is turn can affect your performance and mood during the day – which naturally, you will want to avoid!
Make Your Bedroom Comfortable
After much scientific research, sleep experts believe that in general, you should only carry out two ‘activities’ in the bedroom. These are love making, and of course, sleep! Not only that, but you should also endeavour to keep your room tidy and free from obstacles – make sure you have a clear path to your bed. If you are looking for more suitable bedroom furniture, here at bedstar we stock a wide variety of styles and sizes to suit any budget.
Think About Your Sleep Environment
Ideally, your room should be dark and quiet to promote the onset of sleep, so if needs be, why not get a pair of blackout curtains, or a facemask and earplugs. Avoid watching television or using a computer immediately before you go to bed, as this will stimulate the brain and make it harder for you to ‘shut-off’ and relax. Also bare in mind the temperature in your room – which should be cool (without being chilly). Obviously your own body temperature may play a part in how comfortable you feel during sleep, so a good tip is to have an extra blanket and/or a moist cloth close at hand should you feel too hot or too cold.
Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
You should avoid alcohol and tobacco, especially before you go to bed. Whilst there are plenty of myths around that alcohol can actually help you sleep, it is actually a stimulant that is more likely to lead to night time awakenings. The same is true of tobacco and caffeine. Try a healthier alternative, such as a fruit smoothie or juice.
If you’re bedroom needs turning from a stressful environment into a heavenly sanctuary, why not visit bedstar today and browse through our extensive range of bargain beds and quality bedroom furniture.
1 COMMENT
Michelle Kavanagh
October 25th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hi excellent articles, very relevant, interesting and enlightening, especially since I am one of said menopausal women looking for a new bed, will purchase next week.
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