One difficult night is unpleasant.
Weeks of broken sleep can affect almost everything.
Women going through menopause often describe waking repeatedly, struggling to fall asleep again or being disturbed by night sweats.
The next day can bring tiredness, irritability, poor concentration and very little enthusiasm for exercise or intimacy.
And that creates a cycle.
Deal with obvious sleep disruptors first
Start with the basics.
Consider:
Is the bedroom too warm?
Does alcohol disturb your sleep?
Are you drinking caffeine late in the day?
Are night sweats waking you?
Are you using a phone or tablet immediately before bed?
Is stress keeping your mind active?
There is rarely one universal answer.
Build a regular rhythm
The body responds well to routine.
Where possible:
get up at roughly the same time
take some exercise during the day
avoid very heavy meals immediately before bed
create a calmer final hour
keep the bedroom cool and comfortable
Relaxation does not require anything elaborate.
Reading, gentle music, breathing exercises or a warm bath may all help signal that the day’s activity is ending.
Don’t underestimate the effect of sleep
Poor sleep does not remain confined to the night.
It can influence:
mood
appetite
memory
energy
stress tolerance
sexual desire