Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Incorporated
Medical Herbalist

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Premenopause/Menopause Symptoms

INSOMNIA

Difficulty with sleeping is a frequent, but generally short-lived, part of premenopause. Some women sleep restlessly, wake up early and need a nap. Others feel so agitated when they go to bed, they can't seem to drift off, waking achy and irritated. The average total sleep time nightly is 7.5 to 8 hours. Healthy adults can require anywhere from 4 to 10 hours of sleep.

Problems with sleep include having difficulty getting to sleep and/or waking in the night, unable to get back to sleep. Trouble getting to sleep usually has to do with stress and anxiety, whereas waking in the night without being able to go back to sleep can be attributed to liver disturbances or elevated cortisol levels.

Occasional insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress and anxiety, noise, temperature change, or a different sleep environment. The changing hormonal patterns associated with premenopause and menopause can lead to insomnia. Many women also notice night sweats that occur as the result of a hot flash while sleeping. This sweating can cause an altered sleep pattern and frequent awakenings.

QUICK TIPS

• A good place to start is to establish a routine to promote good sleep habits:
• Set a standard bedtime and time to wake up - even on weekends.
• Reserve the bedroom for sleeping so that your body and brain will associate it with sleep. No TV in the bedroom and none at all 1 hour before bedtime.
• Use a 'white noise' machine or humidifier for low-level background noise.
• Exercise during the day. Avoid strenuous exercise within 2 hours of bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet.
• Avoid napping in the evening.
• Avoid caffeine after 5 pm.
• If you take medication that may be stimulating, such as antihistamines, decongestants, or asthma medications, take them as long before bedtime as possible.
• Use imagery to help you relax and drift to sleep in a peaceful environment.
• Hops, passionflower and skullcap help you sleep, but be careful with valerian which can keep some people awake!

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider an herbal phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

Click below to get more information on other premenopause symptoms:

The Path to Better Living

You have already taken the first step on your journey.  I work directly with you to uncover the sources of your body's imbalance and create remedies to restore, rejuvenate, and heal.

1. We'll begin by filling out your Health History Form, to determine the best approach for your personal needs.  Download a PDF file of the form here.  If you do not have downloading capabilities, contact me and I will mail it to you promptly. 
    

2. Once you have filled out the appropriate information, send me the form, via email or snail mail, along with a recent photograph of yourself. 
    

3. We will next engage in a one-on-one private consultation, either in person or over the phone, where I can pinpoint the right herbal remedies and lifestyle changes for you.  For pricing, see my Herbal Consultations page.
    

4. I then create for you a customized health plan which will include suggestions for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will work in conjunction with a specially formulated herbal remedy that I design to target your personal needs.  Potential herb/drug interactions are taken into consideration.
    

5. Many patients begin treatment with one pound of dried herbs selected from my personal pharmacy, which you will enjoy as a strong tea known as an herbal infusion.  But most remedies are supplied in tincture form, with only a teaspoon or two per day needed to make it easy for you.
    

6. Approximately 80-85% of clients start seeing positive results within 2-4 weeks, often in just a few days.
    

7. I will continue to communicate with you via phone or email consultations, and we will work together to help you re-create the strongest, healthiest body possible.  In the case of chronic ailments, you may need to allow one month of treatment for each year you have had the problem. But you should see at least a 10% improvement in the first few weeks.

Begin Your Journey Now

Contact me or download the Health History Form now so we can move on to the next step to making you feel better, mind, body, and soul. 

To your health,

Susan E. Mead, M.H.

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