May women suffer from insomnia more than men

Condition analysis:
True. Women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Hormones seem to be the culprit. Hormonal changes women experience during their menstrual cycle and menopause can impact their sleep. During perimenopause (the years before menopause), women often have hot flashes and night sweats that disturb sleep.

Pregnancy is another sleep disruptor for women. The changes are hormonal, emotional, and physical. Later in pregnancy women may waken during the night to urinate, or because of physical discomfort.

Women are also more likely to develop medical conditions that cause secondary insomnia such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome (RLS). Women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Hormones seem to be the culprit. Hormonal changes women experience during their menstrual cycle and menopause can impact their sleep. During perimenopause (the years before menopause) women often have hot flashes and night sweats that disturb sleep.

Pregnancy is another sleep disruptor for women. The changes are hormonal, emotional, and physical. Later in pregnancy women may waken during the night to urinate, or because of physical discomfort.

Instructions:
Yoga: Yoga has been found to have a positive effect on sleep quality. Yoga may also alleviate stress, improve physical functioning, and boost mental focus.

Choose a style that focuses more on moving meditation or breath work as opposed to difficult physical movements. Slow, controlled movements allow you to stay present and focused. Yin and restorative yoga are great options.

Strive to do a few longer sessions each week, and at least 20 minutes of daily self-practice. Performing the postures before bed can help you to relax and unwind.

If a pose doesn’t feel right for you, don’t force it. Forcing it may result in injury. It’s important to do what feels good for you and your body, and that varies from person to person.