Table of Contents
Is Menopause Making You Snore?
Menopause snoring is a frustrating and more often than not, an unaddressed issue for women. Most of us know that menopause and sleepless nights often go hand in hand. Snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disorders become far more commonplace for post-menopausal women. Check out our menopause snoring FAQ to learn more about the causes, conditions, and possible solutions.
Menopause Fact: Post menopausal women are less satisfied with the quality of their sleep, and as many as 61% report insomnia symptoms.*
Menopause itself can be really difficult. For women who struggle with hot flashes, bedtime can become a nightmare (no pun intended). Suddenly you are pitched in a nightly battle with your body that you just cannot win. Sweating, dozing, waking, covers on, covers off…clothes on, clothes off…morning brings no relief or rest, and the stress is cumulative. Not good.
Menopause Snoring FAQ
Q: Why Is Menopause Making Me Snore?
So, once the menopause symptoms are over, it’s all good, right? Not so fast.
Even if you have never snored before, you may find that you begin snoring after menopause. The fact is, although men snore twice as much as women pre-menopause, women quickly catch up after menopause and the numbers begin to equalize. This onset is due to a number of factors, which combined can not only make you tired and irritable, but can even affect your relationship with your spouse or significant other. Sounds extreme, but it’s actually quite common. Post-menopause brings a decrease in progesterone, weight gain and other changes in your body that can lead to sleep apnea and snoring.
Q: Where Can I Go For Help?
If you are struggling with sleep, not getting rest, ask your doctor for help. There can be a lot of reasons for increased snoring as we age, so getting a check-up and having a conversation with your caregiver can cover all the bases.
Q. Can Menopause Cause Sleep Apnea?
Loud snoring, constant fatigue and irritability may indicate sleep apnea. Contact a sleep specialist who will conduct a sleep study to determine what’s happening while you’re sleeping.
Q, Will Raising The Head Of My Bed Reduce Snoring?
Raising the head of your bed a few inches can actually help by preventing your tongue from blocking your throat. Just 4″-5″ can relieve pressure on your airway and reduce snoring.
Q. Menopause Weight Gain And Snoring?
Excess weight gain during and after menopause can create fatty tissue in the neck and throat which, when relaxed during sleep, can cause obstructions in the airway . If you have gained significant weight, it can play a part in your sleep disturbance.
Q. What Sleep Position Is Best To Stop Snoring?
Sleeping on your back can increase snoring. If you regularly sleep on your back, change positions and try sleeping on your side. There are a number of ways to force yourself to sleep on your side if it isn’t something you can do naturally. Some of the techniques you can try:
- Put a large object or body pillow in the middle of your bed
- Sleep with your back against the wall
- Sew a tennis ball to the front or back of your sleepwear
- Try using a side sleep pillows.
Resources:
- *https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/menopause-and-sleep
- http://www.webmd.com/women/features/does-snoring-have-you-up-all-night#1
Winsome To Wisdom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
