Q: I am 42 years old and have been on HRT for two months. I have experienced a great deal of insomnia, which is easing up a bit with the HRT. I still awaken frequently in the night. Are there any supplements that I could also take to aid my sleep? Or will continued HRT eventually help with the sleep disturbances I have? Go to bed only when sleepy. Do not wait up until a specified time.
Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Do not read or watch TV in bed. If you are not sleeping, get out of bed. Get up and read in another room.
Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
Exercise and do enough during the day so that you are tired at night.
Valerian root taken at bedtime for several days can be helpful if you are following the above guidelines.
A: Insomnia is one of the most common problems seen at menopause. We know poor sleep affects women more than men, and that it worsens as we grow older. My recommendations are:
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