Melehan, Kerri
Accredited Clinical Physiologist (Sleep)
Sleep, together with diet and exercise, is considered the third pillar of good health. The many functions of sleep are becoming more apparent due to findings of on-going research. These include aspects of hormone release, memory, immune function, and metabolite clearance. The regulation of several hormones rely on active processes which occur during sleep. Age is a significant factor which influences sleep architecture, timing, and consolidation. Both increased age and menopause cause changes in subjective sleep quality. Sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea also become more frequent in menopausal women. This presentation aims to 1) provide an overview of sleep and the expected changes in sleep due to menopause, 2) highlight those sleep disorders which menopausal women are at risk of developing, and 3) provide a brief overview of behavioural strategies which may be used to assist with these expected changes in sleep quality, and treatment options for common sleep disorders seen in this population.