That can’t-get-out-of-the-bed-in-the-morning feeling is all too familiar to women going through the process of menopause. Being tired is one thing, in fact, it’s something we all experience from time to time. Fatigue is something entirely different. When you are dealing with fatigue, it is not a response to intense physical activity in the way that being tired is. Fatigue can be described as feeling like no matter how much you sleep or how little activity you do; you are always drained. When we think of menopausal signs and signals, we think of things like hot flashes and mood swings. Fatigue isn’t one of the menopausal responses that people talk about often, but it is, in fact, a part of menopause for many women.
Insomnia and interrupted sleep cycles are common concerns many menopausal women share. Insomnia can both cause and exacerbate fatigue. It is a kind of “catch-22” situation. If you were sleeping well, you wouldn’t be fatigued; and if it weren’t for the fatigue, you would sleep better.
The specifics of the human sleep cycle are complex. It’s possible to sleep for hours and not get the “right kind” of sleep. It’s possible to sleep for short amounts of time and wake up feeling bright and refreshed. Women suffering from menopause-related fatigue may not feel energetic regardless of how much or how little sleep they got. There are some things you can do about it, though.
* Make sure you are getting the proper nutrition-the body has to be fed to work as it should.
* Exercise – start slow with a short walk or stretching.
* Maintain a good personal schedule. The more you can keep to a schedule, the better you will rest at night.
* Take steps to reduce stress in your daily life by making a list of things that decrease your stress and follow through with alleviating all you can.
* Limit your intake of alcohol (if applicable).
* Stop smoking (if applicable).
Remember if you are following all the rules of good health and you remain fatigued you should see your doctor.
