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Insomnia Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, January 2009.

Answers to questions about insomnia

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Can the menopause cause insomnia?

Yes, insomnia can sometimes be caused by hot flushes and night sweats which are symptoms of the menopause.

Explanation

The menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing eggs. This usually happens around the age of 50. It results in a reduction of oestrogen which can cause symptoms including hot flushes and night sweats. These symptoms can last for two or three years. Hot flushes and night sweats can wake you up in the night and cause you to have trouble sleeping.

Hot flushes can sometimes be triggered if you eat hot spicy food or drink coffee or alcohol, so try not to eat or drink these things before bedtime. You should make sure that your bedroom is cool and well ventilated with fresh air. If you wake up in the night and can't get back to sleep then it may be helpful to get up and make a warm milky drink or read for a while until you feel sleepy again.

If you're worried that you're not getting enough sleep, see your GP for advice. He or she may prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to control your hot flushes and night sweats and help you to sleep. HRT can be given to you as tablets, skin patches, a skin gel or an implant.

The menopause can also make underlying problems such as anxiety and depression worse, which can in turn cause insomnia. If this is the case, the underlying cause of your insomnia will need to be treated so you should see your GP for advice.

Further information

Sources

  • Insomnia. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
  • Menopause. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
  • MacGregor A. Understanding the menopause and HRT. Family Doctor Series: Family Doctor Publications Limited in association with the British Medical Association, 2002: 3
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Does acupuncture work as a treatment for insomnia?

There is a small amount of evidence to suggest that acupuncture can help to improve insomnia.

Explanation

Acupuncture is a type of complementary medicine which involves fine needles being inserted into the skin on certain areas of your body. This stimulates nerves in your skin and muscle and it's claimed that this can help to improve the symptoms of a variety of conditions.

Your acupuncture practitioner will ask you about your symptoms and your treatment will be designed for you individually. Usually the needles are only left in your skin for a very short period of time. The number of needles used varies but can sometimes be as low as two or three. A typical course of acupuncture is between five and eight sessions.

If you are planning to have acupuncture, you should let your GP know. You should also let the acupuncture practitioner know if you are taking any medications. You shouldn't stop taking any medication you have been prescribed by your GP, as acupuncture can't replace this.

Further information

Sources

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Will medicines that I can buy over the counter help with my insomnia?

Yes, over-the-counter remedies can be effective at helping you sleep, but only over a short period of time.

Explanation

There are several remedies that you can buy from your pharmacy without a prescription. These usually contain antihistamines. They can be effective, but often make you feel sleepy the next morning. You shouldn't take these remedies for long periods of time as your body can start to become tolerant to them. This means that they won't work as well as when you started using them, and you will need to start taking higher doses to produce the same effect. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice if you have any questions.

Further information

Sources

  • Sleeping well. The Royal College of Psychiatrists. www.rcpsych.ac.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
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How do I know whether I am getting a good night's sleep or not?

The amount of sleep you need will be individual to you, but in general adults should sleep for between six and eight hours a night.

Explanation

It should take you less than half an hour to fall asleep and you should sleep for between six and eight hours a night, waking up less than three times during this period. You should feel refreshed once you have woken up.

It may be helpful for you to record your sleeping patterns in a diary for two weeks so that you can see how much sleep you're getting over a long period of time. If you aren't regularly getting a good night's sleep as described above, it's possible that you have a sleeping problem and you should see your GP for advice.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T., Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005: 362-363
  • Insomnia. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 September 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: January 2009

 

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