The Menopause, Insomnia-Dementia Connection

Poor sleep is unfortunately one of the more distressing symptoms of menopause.  Poor sleep can be caused by insomnia or due to other factors.

• Insomnia can be caused by dropping estrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause.

• Snoring means that your sleep is not as restful. Snoring can be caused by inflammation due to lowered estrogen levels during perimenopause.

• Sleep disturbance can be caused by night sweats and other sensitivities during this tumultuous transitions.  

During perimenopause and then during menopause, our bodies transition from ovarian estrogen to adrenal estrogen.  Sometimes our bodies don't transition smoothly and then we have menopause symptoms. 

There is most likely a direct link between bad menopause symptoms and dementia.  The less adrenally produced estrogen you have post menopause, the higher your cortisol levels and the more inflammation you will have.  High cortisol can cause stress and insomnia while inflammation can cause snoring.

• Poor sleep can be an indicator for dementia.

• Snoring, as a result of inflammation caused by low estrogen, can be an indicator for dementia.

• Increased cortisol is associated with an increased risk for dementia.

So while obviously dementia is complex and can be caused by a multitude of reasons, it appears that menopause and specifically sleep related issues due to menopause can be a factor.  

And fear of dementia is probably the main reason why I work so hard at easing my menopause symptoms though boosting adrenal function and improving my estrogen levels. My hope it to not only improve my present day symptoms, but to prevent future illnesses. When I get a hot flash, snore, or get insomnia, it is my body's way of telling me that I don't have enough estrogen and I need to boost my adrenal function.  And while hot flashes might be uncomfortable, it is fear of developing dementia that really motivates me to find hormonal balance.   

I am sharing a few natural ways to boost your body’s production of adrenal estrogen.

• Dietary restrictions: No sugar, alcohol, or caffeine.

• Nutritional benefits: Freshly ground flax seed and fermented soy products such as tempeh and miso.

• Essential oils: Clary sage to balance hormones, patchouli or sandalwood to lower cortisol.

• Herbs: Evening primrose oil, wild yam, ashwagandha, holy basil, nettle, rhodiola, St. John’s Wort.

• Chinese herbal formulas: consult with a practitioner of TCM for the correct formula for you. 

• Navon Naturals: all of the Navon Naturals face serums and Hooha Rejuvenating serums contain ingredients to balance your hormones.  The evening serums contain relaxants to help insomnia and improve the quality of your sleep.

And last but not least. If you are snoring, I strongly recommend tongue exercises to strengthen the muscles that can prevent the snoring.