Menopause frustrations!!

Corr_Paisley

As a 51 year old lady who has started working on losing a chunk of weight (1st big goal = lose 55 lbs) knowing full well her late night snacking is her biggest hurdle, the fact that I'm on the sleep-struggling menopause train is NOT helping! Thankfully, I seem to be past the whole heat-flash stage so that no longer is an issue for my sleep pattern, but I'm still struggling with falling asleep at a reasonable time. I find I'm SO tired but I just can't seem to fall asleep, and not from lack of trying. I am up to 8 mg of melatonin, on top of my allergy meds that are meant to help me fall asleep, plus my night anxiety med that used to be a wonderful help as well but no more.

For those of you who are dealing with this currently or who have dealt with it in the past, have/had you found anything that has helped?

quiksylver296

There is a product called Calm, which is a magnesium supplement, that can help. I buy it off Amazon.

Hubby uses a product called Rest In Peace by Insane Labz.

kshama2001

I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene

Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS

I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.

Sabine_Stroehm

kshama2001 wrote: »

I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene

Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS

I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.

I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).

I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group

feel free to join us.

tmoneyag99

Valerian root is another non-addictive natural herb that promotes restful sleep without grogginess.

tcunbeliever

You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?

Sabine_Stroehm

tcunbeliever wrote: »

You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?

Or magnesium supplements. I use them nightly, not for sleep, but I'm assuming it helps.

Corr_Paisley

quiksylver296 wrote: »

There is a product called Calm, which is a magnesium supplement, that can help. I buy it off Amazon.

Hubby uses a product called Rest In Peace by Insane Labz.

Thank you! I'll definitely look more into these products and see if amazon.ca offers it. I do love my Amazon.

Corr_Paisley

kshama2001 wrote: »

I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene

Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS

I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.

Thanks. Melatonin had also been working for me up to the last little while, so I'll definitely look into the sublingual melatonin and what may be offered of a similar nature here.

Corr_Paisley

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene

Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS

I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.

I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).

I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group

feel free to join us.

Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.

Corr_Paisley

tmoneyag99 wrote: »

Valerian root is another non-addictive natural herb that promotes restful sleep without grogginess.

I'll definitely look into that. I'd never heard of it so hadn't even thought to look in that direction. Thank you so much!

Corr_Paisley

tcunbeliever wrote: »

You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?

No bath in this rental, but definitely keeping that in mind any future stays away from home that do have baths available! Thanks.

Corr_Paisley

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group

feel free to join us.

I have joined! Thanks!

RoxieDawn

I turned 50 in Sept, done all the sleep tricks possible. I took 10mg meletonin and it harmed my sleep instead, the dose too high. Finally went to my doctor, doc said up to 3mg only. Funny thing is we don't know what we are depleted in order to supplement properly, serotonin is a big part of this and depleting female hormones, I would not supplement with things that can cause issues your anxiety medication. For me this was vicious cycle till I went to my doc, calorie deficits are definitely hard.

I don't have any advice, what I am doing may not work for you, I still struggle so much with sleep waking up last night for example soaked from night sweats. Might want to talk to your doc.

kshama2001

RoxieDawn wrote: »

I turned 50 in Sept, done all the sleep tricks possible. I took 10mg meletonin and it harmed my sleep instead, the dose too high. Finally went to a sleep doctor, doc said up to 3mg only. Funny thing is we don't know what we are depleted in order to supplement properly, serotonin is a big part of this and hormones, I would not supplement with things that can cause issues your anxiety medication. For me this was vicious cycle till I went to my doc.

I don't have any advice, what I am doing may not work for you, I still struggle so much with sleep waking up last night for example soaked from night sweats. Might want to talk to your doc.

Ya, my friend who writes a lot about sleep issues says she's read too much melatonin can be counterproductive, but since I didn't have a citation I didn't mention it earlier. But @Corr_Paisley your 8 mg may be too high a dose as well.

kshama2001

tcunbeliever wrote: »

You can't uptake melatonin without sufficient magnesium, so maybe an epsom salt bath before bed?

Corr_Paisley wrote: »

No bath in this rental, but definitely keeping that in mind any future stays away from home that do have baths available! Thanks.

You can take magnesium supplements instead, but first find out which form of magnesium is the one that can help for sleep. I take magnesium formed from L-Aspartic Acid and it does nothing for sleep.

GottaBurnEmAll

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene

Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS

I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.

I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).

I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group

feel free to join us.

When do you take the CBD oil as a sleep aid? We have it for our son to help with focus during homeschooling but he suffers with insomnia. We're waiting for a doctor's appointment, but that's not until March. So any help would be welcome.

As to the topic of the original post, I had sleep issues for years. When I was at the stage you're describing, I found that if I stayed up past the point I should have gone to bed, that's when I struggled most falling and staying asleep. Gradually moving my going to bed and waking time earlier helped a lot. So did getting exercise every day.

mom23mangos

All I can say is ((HUGS)) because I'm right there with you. I'm going down the HRT route (and very happy so far), but I know that isn't for everyone.

leanjogreen18

Corr_Paisley wrote: »

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene

Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS

I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.

I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).

I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group

feel free to join us.

Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.

I also take CBD oil for insominia. I'm just a year older than you. CBD oil also helps some with anxiety so you may want to check it out.

@GottaBurnEmAll - I take 25mg about 15-20 min before sleep sublingual and I have a CBD lavender rub for my fibromyalgia and arthritis pain that I take at the same time.

GottaBurnEmAll

leanjogreen18 wrote: »

Corr_Paisley wrote: »

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

kshama2001 wrote: »

I'm 52. Melatonin worked well for me for quite some time, but didn't keep me asleep once I was solidly in peri-menopause, despite working diligently at my sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene

Have you tried sublingual melatonin? Never failed to help me fall asleep. I used to take https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Melatonin-5-mg-Peppermint-Flavored-Sublingual-200-Tablets/1302 in 1 mg, but all I see now is 5 mg. They may have replaced the lower strengths with the lozenges. https://www.iherb.com/c/melatonin?bids=SNS

I see you are in Canada. Explore the options you've had there since last fall that we don't throughout the US, and so cannot discuss here.

I use melatonin, and CBD oil (which IS legal). (and sometimes Benadryl).

I know several women in the menopause group here have also talked about their insomnia.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/506-near-or-post-menopausal-group

feel free to join us.

Benadryl is actually the allergy meds that I take at night for the peri-menopausal itch that I fight with on my hands and feet. I've not tried CBD oil yet. It's of course offered all over the place here but I've not had the 'bravery' to try it yet, though I have looked into it. Starting unknown things can trigger my anxiety, but I may just need to 'buck up' ... though that's always easier said than done. Thanks for helping.

I also take CBD oil for insominia. I'm just a year older than you. CBD oil also helps some with anxiety so you may want to check it out.

@GottaBurnEmAll - I take 25mg about 15-20 min before sleep sublingual and I have a CBD lavender rub for my fibromyalgia and arthritis pain that I take at the same time.

Thanks!

Corr_Paisley

RoxieDawn wrote: »

I turned 50 in Sept, done all the sleep tricks possible. I took 10mg meletonin and it harmed my sleep instead, the dose too high. Finally went to my doctor, doc said up to 3mg only. Funny thing is we don't know what we are depleted in order to supplement properly, serotonin is a big part of this and depleting female hormones, I would not supplement with things that can cause issues your anxiety medication. For me this was vicious cycle till I went to my doc, calorie deficits are definitely hard.

I don't have any advice, what I am doing may not work for you, I still struggle so much with sleep waking up last night for example soaked from night sweats. Might want to talk to your doc.

I definitely plan to talk to my doc about this and a few other issues that seemed to have recently ramped up over the last few weeks. I seem to, thankfully, be past the night sweats & heat flashes for the most part, but no sooner did that end and the other things got worse. Thank you for the information regarding the melatonin too! I'll definitely back off on the dose. Thanks so much!