September is a big month for sleep therapy and sleep awareness. Not only are we advertising the ASAA’s “Sleeptember” event, but we are calling to attention that September is Menopause awareness month.
Why would Millenium Sleep Labs tie in menopause with the “Sleeptember” sleep awareness campaign? Very simple:
“Menopausal women are 2 to 3 times more likely to have sleep apnea. They are also at higher risk of insomnia and depression, which scientific research shows caused by the “domino theory” that sleep disruption leads to insomnia followed by depression.”
“Research studies have shown:
Women are 3.4 times more likely to have sleep disorders after menopause.
Prior to menopause, women have 1/3 prevalence of OSA as men, but similar to men after menopause
HRT, particularly Estrogen, reduces the risk of OSA, even without changes in weight
BMI not a good indicator (predictor) of OSA after menopause
Progesterone is a respiratory stimulant and estrogen increases slow wave sleep and REM”
If you are a woman going through menopause please be aware that you are more at risk for sleep related health issues during this time. At Millenium Sleep Labs we know the importance of a good night’s sleep on the overall health of everyone at all stages of their lives. A good night’s sleep is the foundation for healthy living.
Please help us to spread the word about the importance of a good night’s sleep for everyone! You can help us spread the word during September by adding these hashtags into you posts social media #Sleeptember #ASAAbedhead #MillenniumSleepLab. We spend one-third of our lifetime sleeping, let’s make those sleep hours count and connect the dots between healthy sleep and a healthy life.
Sources: Menopause Related Sleep Disorders by Philip S Eichling, MD, MPH & Jyotsna Sahni, MD
published in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Vol. 1, No 3. 2005 www.aasmnet.org/JCSM/Articles/010312.pdf
American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleeptember campaign www.sleeptember.org