"I am woman-I am strong-I am invincible. . ." I am tired!"  Fatigue is so common in women that most of us just accept it.  Some women seek medical attention when the problem is just not getting to bed.  Many times, however, our fatigue is from an inability to get to sleep, or insomnia.  Early morning wakening is another common sleep disturbance, commonly associated with depression.  A recent survey showed that the majority of women going through menopause stated that sleep disturbances were their most unsettling symptoms.  Sleep disturbances are also fairly common in perimenopausal women and is often a result of changing estrogen levels.  For this reason as well as to treat other perimenopausal symptoms, doctors often now recommend very low dose birth control pills to women over 35 who do not smoke.

Sleep deprivation doesn't  just make you feel tired.  It can cause motor vehicle and other accidents.  It can also be an early sign of disease such as depression, thyroid problems, or hormone imbalances. 

Most sleep problems are treatable.  If they affect you, see your doctor. 

For more information, click here.

Created: 7/26/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.
Reviewed: 6/30/2003  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.