Common Sleep Issues in Women – and How to Get Better Sleep

Women often have sleeping problems that occur for a variety of reasons, including 
overwhelming stress or hormonal changes. Additional reasons for having problems with 
sleeping include having arthritic joints or sleep apnea. Fortunately, there are ways for 
women to improve the quality of their sleep. 

Coping with Overwhelming Stress

If you are a woman coping with too much stress, then it is essential to relieve your 
anxiety levels. Stress is caused by several factors, and a lack of sleep will make you 
feel worse. While you are sleeping, your body's adrenal glands produce healing 
hormones that help to prevent stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure or 
diabetes mellitus. There are a several ways to cope with stress, including daily exercise 
or meditation. You can also visit a counselor to discuss your problems to find solutions 
for your stressful life. 

Overcoming Hormonal Changes

Females have frequent hormonal changes that can cause sleep disturbances. Before 
and during menstruation, you may have problems with abdominal cramping or 
moodiness, but you can visit a physician to learn more about treatments to overcome 
these symptoms. If a woman is pregnant, then not only will her hormones change 
rapidly, but also, she will experience changes in her body that makes it difficult to 
become comfortable while trying to sleep. Pregnant women can use supportive body 
pillows while reclining to alleviate discomfort. 

Coping with the Pain from Arthritis

When you have an arthritic condition, it is difficult to sleep because you have pain in 
your joints, including in your hips, back or knees. If you manage to get to sleep, then 
you may wake up frequently as you move around in your sleep. Schedule an 
appointment with an arthritic specialist to begin medical treatment that can relieve your 
pain along with preventing additional damage to your joints. You can also seek 
alternative treatments such as body massages, whirlpool baths or acupuncture. In 
addition, replace an old sagging mattress with a newer supportive mattress. 

Overcoming Breathing Difficulties

If you feel tired all day despite sleeping for seven to nine hours, then you might have 
sleep apnea. Many women have sleep apnea without realizing it, and this condition can 
lead to additional health problems. When you have sleep apnea, you aren't breathing 
properly at night, and this can damage your brain. The breathing disruptions that you 
have during sleep can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain. When 
you suspect that you have sleep apnea, request a sleeping study at a medical facility. If 
you have sleep apnea, then you might require a specialized machine with a mask that 
you can use at night.

