Sleep is theoretically something you do every night. So, what’s the point of tracking it?
As you probably know, not all sleep is created equal. There’s a big difference between a good night’s rest, getting just enough shut-eye to function during the day, and more serious sleep issues that affect your quality of life.
In-app sleep tracking during menopause
Menopause can last several years. During this time, you might notice various physical changes and mental health symptoms — and sleep falls somewhere in the middle.
You can log all these symptoms and changes through the Ovia app. This will give you a clear picture of whether things are getting worse or improving and help you and your healthcare provider find the best possible solution.
Here’s a breakdown of what you might log in the app.
Difficulty falling asleep
Lots of folks have trouble falling asleep at some point or another. Whether you’re in your menopausal years or at a different life stage, it’s helpful to know if this is an every-night occurrence related to other health issues, or just something that happens when you’re busier at work or home.
Insomnia is common among middle-aged and older adults, and it goes beyond having trouble dozing off. People with this sleep disorder struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, and they may not be able to get any shut-eye at all.
It can come and go or be a more brief occurrence. In any case, tracking your insomnia will help your provider know if it’s a serious concern that requires treatment.
Hot flashes and night sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are common physical symptoms of menopause. Not surprisingly, they can make it harder to sleep comfortably and get a good night’s rest.
Urinary symptoms
Urinary symptoms affect menopausal women at all hours of the day, but they can be especially irksome at night. Incontinence (loss of bladder control) and a stronger or more frequent urge to urinate might make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Lifestyle habits and before-bed routine
If you’re facing sleep issues, it’s good to take note of your lifestyle habits and what you do before turning in for the night. While menopause could be the primary culprit, there might be other factors at play.
You can log:
- When you drink alcohol
- How often you exercise
- Your caffeine intake
- Whether you’re eating a well-rounded diet
- How much water you’re drinking throughout the day
- The days you read a book, watched TV, or scrolled on your phone before bed
Sleep issues aren’t always a result of menopause. People in their forties and fifties might be simultaneously supporting their children and aging parents, working full-time jobs, figuring out when they can retire, or potentially facing a serious illness.
Whatever the cause, elevated stress levels can affect your sleep. Tracking your moods, physical symptoms, and lifestyle habits with Ovia can help you stay on top of your health and ultimately improve your well-being.
Get started today.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Menopause.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. October 14, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397.
- “Menopause.” Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. October 5, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause.
- “What Is Menopause?” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). September 30, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause.
- Infantino M. “The prevalence and pattern of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in perimenopausal and menopausal women.” J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2008. 20(5):266-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2008.00316.x. PMID: 18460167. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18460167/.
- “Menopause and mental health.” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/menopause-and-mental-health.
- “Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?” Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. November 25, 2019. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-menopause-causing-your-mood-swings-depression-or-anxiety/.
- Bilodeau. “Sleep, stress, or hormones? Brain fog during perimenopause.” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sleep-stress-or-hormones-brain-fog-during-perimenopause-202104092429.
- “Sleep Problems and Menopause: What Can I Do?” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). September 30, 2021. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep-problems-and-menopause-what-can-i-do. “A Good Night’s Sleep.” National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health (NIH). November 03, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep#insomnia.
