Sleep Disturbance in Perimenopausal Women

Female sex hormones are involved in various physiological processes including sleep and the circadian cycle. During menopausal transition, various symptoms caused by hormonal changes can occur. Among various perimenopausal symptoms, sleep disturbance is one of the most common and important health issues. More than 40% of perimenopausal women report sleep problems, which not only lower quality of life but also pose substantial health risks including increased cardiovascular risk. Factors contributing to sleep disturbances during perimenopause include direct changes in sleep due to decline of female sex hormones and indirect changes resulting from perimenopausal symptoms. This article will address the influence of female sex hormones on sleep and circadian rhythm, sleep changes in perimenopausal women and their possible mechanisms, prevalent sleep disorders during perimenopause, and their treatments.