Insomnia is more frequently among women compared to that in men. The reasons are unclear as are the reasons why women are at increased risk of primary insomnia. Understanding what contributes to insomnia can lead to reducing its long lasting effects.
What causes Insomnia in Women?
A number of factors may cause insomnia in women. Younger women generally have better sleep as compared to older women.
Hormonal changes
An important contributing factor is that insomnia can occur in association with hormonal changes that are unique to women, such as those of menopause or the late-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
- During Menstruation: The hormones called estrogen keeps you alert and progesterone makes you sleepy. The levels of progesterone decreases during menstruation, causing insomnia. When the level of progesterone rises during ovulation, you may feel sleepy than usual. During menstruation period, the hormone levels are at their lowest.
- During Pregnancy: The changes in the levels of progesterone in the first and last trimester of pregnancy can disrupt the normal sleep cycle.
- Menopause: During the first phases of menopause, hormones are fluctuating intensely. Woman may experience hot flashes, a sense of anxiety, sweating during this period and may experience wakefulness at night. Psychologic distress caused by these changes in life can result in insomnia.
Depression and Anxiety
Another consideration is that women are more likely to suffer from major depression and anxiety disorders, which are also associated with insomnia. In fact, some researchers believe that this is a main reason for the gender differences in insomnia.
After the birth of baby
For a long period of time after delivery, most women remain highly sensitive to even the smallest noises produced by the infant, which causes them to wake easily. Women who have had children sleep less efficiently or deeply than women who have not had children.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle affects the sleep pattern. Modern lifestyles are a major cause of insomnia in women these days. Some lifestyle related reasons could be:
- Spending too much time on socializing with your friends instead of going to bed at the right time
- Kids or the dog – disturbing at night
- Lack of leisure activities in the evening hours
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