Question: I'm 52 and happy to say I don't look or act my age. My mom had Alzheimer’s, which of course I'd like to avoid at all costs, and I'm having night sweats which interrupts my sleep. I'm not big on prescribed pills and don't want to take something that I'll find out promotes Alzheimer’s later. The latest I've heard is soy is a yes for menopause and a no for Alzheimer’s. What then? Lack of sleep and a lot of stress often makes me feel forgetful and people tell me that's normal with menopause.
Dr. Hibberd's Response:
Enjoy your soy especially if it helps your post-menopausal hot flashes. See your doctor to be sure your night sweats are indeed from post-menopausal symptoms and not from some other condition.
As for lack of sleep, sleep hygiene is the current buzz. Your environment, ambient noise, dietary habits, and medication use play a strong role in your sleep hygiene and sleep habits.
Try to set a defined period to go to sleep at night and be sure to avoid work activity in your sleep area. Use earplugs if necessary to shield out ambient noise.
Be sure to exercise at least several hours before retiring and avoid late-night meals.
Many people have a drink before bed to try to help them sleep, but it tends to have a rebound effect three to four hours later when the central nervous system depression wears off. Alcohol also suppresses healthful REM sleep.
While a lack of sleep and stress may be commonly seen in those going through menopause, they should not be seen as normal. You will feel much better when they are corrected.
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