The impact of hot flashes on sleep

Abstract

The prevalence of sleep disturbances is 35-60% among postmenopausal women. During the menopausal transition, hormonal changes along with the vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and night sweats are responsible from poor sleep quality independent of age, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and mood. The decline in estradiol and increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are associated with trouble falling asleep and sleep maintenance. In the SWAN study, the patients with HF complained about sleep disturbances (trouble falling asleep, waking up several times and waking up earlier than planned) more than the women who did not have HF.