For many women, lack of sleep, is second only to hot flashes when it comes to distressing menopausal symptoms. In fact many women in their late 30s and 40s with symptoms of insomnia are actually experiencing the beginning of their transition to menopause which is called perimenopause.

In perimenopause it’s the shift in our hormones that cause irregular sleep; waking in the night, insomnia, tossing and turning only to be left staring the ceiling, which will also interfere with our daytime functions, such as concentration and anxiety, that are so important to our work and personal life.

Lack of sleep also promotes a weaker immune system. Without quality sleep our healing hormones won’t have a chance to regenerate, but without balanced hormones we cannot sleep. It is a vicious cycle. Women usually begin to experience restless sleep five to seven years before entering menopause. A healthy adult needs an average of 7 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep per night to feel good and function correctly. Individuals that sleep less than 7 hours are more prone to heart attack.

Sweet dreams are what we need for our brain and our body, and this is where melatonin steps in. Melatonin is a potent sleep hormone. Remember, sleep is one of our greatest healers. It regenerates the brain and every other part of the body. Melatonin regulates our sleep-wake cycle, circadian rhythm, that is so important to our body’s equilibrium. It talks to other hormones, that rise and fall within this 24 hour cycle (circadian rhythm) and sets our internal biological clock. Stress, along with ageing, and travel, affect sleep patterns and in turn will affect melatonin levels.