Changes in Estrogen Levels
The primary cause of perimenopausal insomnia is changes in estrogen levels. As women age, ovarian function gradually declines, leading to a decrease in estrogen secretion. Estrogen is an important hormone that plays various roles in the female body, including regulating body temperature, maintaining water balance, and promoting bone growth. During the perimenopausal period, the decrease in estrogen levels may affect the quality of women’s sleep. For example, estrogen can regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, which play a crucial role in the generation and maintenance of sleep. When estrogen levels decrease, these neurotransmitter levels may also change, thereby affecting sleep.
Changes in Circadian Rhythm
In addition to changes in estrogen levels, another important cause of perimenopausal insomnia is changes in the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a complex mechanism within the body that controls our sleep and wake cycles. During the perimenopausal period, changes in hormone levels may affect the normal functioning of the circadian rhythm. For example, some studies have found that perimenopausal women may experience longer sleep onset latency and shorter sleep duration, which may be signs of circadian rhythm disruption.
Increased Psychological Stress
The third reason for perimenopausal insomnia is increased psychological stress. The perimenopausal period is a transition point in life, and many women may face various life pressures during this period, such as work pressure, family pressure, and health pressure. These pressures may lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, which in turn may further affect sleep quality. For example, some studies have found that perimenopausal women may have higher levels of anxiety and depression, which may be related to their insomnia problems.
Changes in Lifestyle
The final reason for perimenopausal insomnia is changes in lifestyle. During the perimenopausal period, women’s lifestyles may undergo some changes, such as changes in work pace, dietary habits, and exercise habits. These changes may affect the quality of sleep. For example, if women reduce exercise during the perimenopausal period or change their dietary habits, they may find that their sleep quality decreases.
In summary, the causes of perimenopausal insomnia are multifaceted, including changes in estrogen levels, changes in circadian rhythm, increased psychological stress, and changes in lifestyle. To improve perimenopausal insomnia, women need to approach it from multiple angles, adjust their lifestyles, reduce psychological stress, maintain good habits, and seek medical help when necessary.
