Poor Sleep Affects Health

Yes last three years or so, since when I suppose I entered the Menopause, albeit quite late. I used to sleep wonderfully well, periods went on until 57, although intermittent. When they stopped I started having hot flushes and my sleep really deteriorated. I feel very hot at night I have a free standing fan right by the side of my bed, I have it on the lowest setting because my husband jokingly complains that it's blowing a gale, he sneakily switches it off when he goes to the loo, but because invariably I'm awake I put it back on again soon after.

I have tried things like Nytol but that didn't work for me and I have mentioned it to my doctor but apart from sleeping tablets, there doesn't seem to be a solution. I'm trying to go to the gym and yoga to make myself tired but invariably that tiredness comes at the wrong time about 9pm when I sometimes fall asleep on the sofa, which I know is a definite no no. I don't particularly want to take HRT as I hear that all the menopausal symptoms return when you come off it, and I'd rather deal with them now.

I am on thyroxine, but like many women my age I have put on a few pounds over the last ten years and I hear that lack of sleep can affect things like weight gain. I must admit sleep is the one thing I crave at the moment.

I am on thyroxine - me too TerriBull - I hope there isn't a link there!

Yes, sleep deprivation can cause weight gain (links on the obesity thread) and just general malaise from being so tired.

I have sleep apnoea, which causes disturbed sleep - I always feel tired!

I have a friend who has that, Mishap but he has to be on an oxygen machine at night so that he can breathe. When he was in hospital once, other patients complained about the noise of the machine and the nurse turned if off!

If there was a link between insomnia and thyroxine, I've broken it. I've been on thyroxine for about 20 years, currently 100mcg, and I sleep like the proverbial log, usually at least 6 hours nightly.

Good to hear that about thyroxine (I'm on 175 as I have no thyroid gland at all).

I read that report about poor sleep and health. Wonderful! One more things for we insomniacs to worry about in the middle of the night instead of sleeping.

petallus you took the words right out of my mouth! I rarely get much sleep so I might as well give up now.

I too am on Thyroxine 100 mcg having been persuaded by the doctor that I had to come down from 150 mcg as it could affect my bone density !!

I am fine from 6.30 a.m. until 01.00 p.m. then I have to sleep for at least half an hour and I am pretty slow in the afternoons and am in bed by 9.00 p.m.

I often hear others with an under-active thyroid say after taking the tabs they went back to how they used to be - wish I could say the same.

Petallus and KatieK - same here .

Nankate does your doctor regularly monitor your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels? Or offered you a bone density scan?
this fact sheet from the National Osteoporosis Society suggests that it is only those over 70 who are taking high doses of levothyroxine who might be at risk of osteoporotic fractures.

I take 100mcg thyroxine a day and have never felt better - if my doctor wanted to reduce my dose I would want there to be a good reason, ie actual evidence that my bone density was poor, combined with a very low TSH level.
It seems to me that your quality of life is being compromised, perhaps for no good reason.

Thanks for the information HollyDaze. I have inflammatory arthritis and a number of associated auto immune problems. When the arthritis is active, my sleep is disturbed by pain. It's rock and hard place about disease modifiers, yes they carry risks, but they give you a quality of life that's so much better than one with active RA and it's pals. I need so much more sleep, and 9 or 10 hours a night leaves me feeling ready for the day. It's a relief to know it's also 'doing me good', as I've read other studies linking health problems to sleeping too much….

Thanks Jane I will check with doc. I am 67.

Iam64 - I don't know if you noticed in the article link that they are now trying to find out if we can do without sleep - they want to know if sleep is really necessary!

It is a shame that pain disturbs your nights - not fun at all is it when it goes on and on and on.

Yes, sleep is very good as that's when most of the body repairing goes on apparently and gives your brain a chance to rest I would imagine.

I can remember when I was going through the menopause I was desperate for sleep and sometimes if I got 2 hours I was doing well. This and working sometimes getting up at 5am to drive to France does not leave me with happy memories of this time of my life.

But now well all is different and quite delightful - retired and can sleep as much as I want or need and feel so much better and normal - if I have disturbed night I can sleep on or more likely have a relaxed day a snooze in the afternoon and an early night - bliss

Yes whitewave, the menopause has a lot to answer for!

When I told my GP that it was irritating me - all this going hot and then snivelling way too much - she said she could give me something that would make periods start normally again, then she gave me a 'knowing' smile I told her 'no thanks, the only decent thing about this whole menopause rubbish is the back of all that nonsense' - why on earth would anyone want to start them up again!

Your duvet and pillow can have a huge impact on the amount of sleep that you get.

As the owner of an online boutique selling luxury duvets, I have had many people contact me over the years with sleeping problems that have ranged from the menopause, to chemo, to arthritis and neck problems.

I have advised all of them on either a different tog, a lighter duvet or a plumper but softer and supportive pillow and all have seen a notable difference.

Please do not discount the fact that a decent duvet, pillow and bed linen can make. It really can help you to get more sleep.