Top 4 Sleep Problems in Women . . . Restful Sleep

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RealAge.com Restful Sleep Many Women Struggle to Stay Awake Sleeplessness and daytime sleepiness are common problems for women. In fact, research shows that, as a woman, you are more likely than a man to have trouble falling asleep

and are more likely to feel sleepy during the day. Given the demands of modern day life, it's not surprising that most women average only about 6.5 hours of sleep each night. But is there something else at work here? Something biological? Here are four unique reasons many women don't get enough sleep. 4 Common Sleep Problems for Women 1. Hormone FluctuationsSleep disruptions are common within the monthly female cycle of rising and falling hormone levels. And menstruating women may find their sleep disturbed by cramps, breast tenderness, or bloating as well. Sleep problems are also common during menopause because hormone levels drop significantly, and symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes rouse women from sleep. Need help with PMS symptoms? Take

this quiz. Have questions about menopause? Get answers here. 2. Depression or AnxietyBoth depression and anxiety are more common in women than in men, and both are known sleep disruptors. Could you have a case of the blues? Take this quiz. Do you worry too much? Take this symptom assessment. 3. Sleep DisordersRestless legs syndrome -- in which a person's legs feel twitchy or uncomfortable during periods of rest -- is more common in women than in men. So are other sleep disorders, such as insomnia. Sleep apnea is actually more common in men than in women, but tends to increase in women after

menopause. Could you have a sleep disorder? Complete this symptom checker and find out. 4. PainMore women than men experience poor sleep because of pain, be it migraine, arthritis, or heartburn pain. Do you need a better pain reliever? Complete this questionnaire for personalized pain relief suggestions. Of course, there also are lifestyle issues to consider when it comes to getting good sleep. Some women simply don't schedule enough time for sleep because of work or family demands, or they don't follow basic good-sleep principles known to help improve sleep. Learn about the basics of good sleep hygiene here.

Whatever your reasons for not getting enough ZZZs, consider this: Restful sleep makes you younger. So do everything you can to get the amount of sleep appropriate for you. If more often than not you feel sleepy during the day, it's a good sign that you're probably not getting enough shuteye. Are you getting enough sleep? Use this sleep journal for 2 weeks and see how you are doing. "Get off your ass and take your government back." ~Rocky Ward

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