Sleep & night sweats

Why sleep changes

Night sweats wake you, falling progesterone removes a mildly sedating influence, and anxiety, bladder symptoms and pain add up. The risk of sleep apnea also rises after menopause and is often missed in women.

What works

• CBT for insomnia (CBT-I): the first-line treatment in guidelines, available in person or through digital programs

• Treating night sweats: hormone therapy or non-hormonal medicines often restore sleep

• A fixed wake time, even on weekends

• A cool, dark bedroom and breathable bedding

• Limiting alcohol, which fragments the second half of the night

When to get checked

Loud snoring, gasping, morning headaches or daytime sleepiness warrant a sleep apnea evaluation. Restless legs, low mood and thyroid problems are also worth ruling out.

Good to know

Long-term sleeping pills are not first-line. Elinzanetant was studied for sleep disturbance linked to hot flashes as well as the flashes themselves.