Perimenopausal women have elevated insomnia risk

Compared with pre-perimenopausal women, those who are perimenopausal are at increased risk for developing chronic insomnia, according to recently published data.

Researchers analyzed data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation to assess the prevalence of insomnia among perimenoapusal women. The study included 3,302 women, with a median age of 45.9 years.

Results demonstrated that approximately one-third of perimenopausal participants reported insomnia at any point during the menopause transition period.

The most reported insomnia symptom was awakenings (31%), while the least reported was sleep latency (14%), according to the researchers.

A significant association between insomnia and stage of perimenopause was seen: Women in the later stages were 1.3 times more likely to report insomnia symptoms compared with women in earlier stages (95% CI, 1.2–1.5; P < .001).

Women who were perimenopausal were 1.5 times more likely to develop chronic insomnia, compared with women who were pre-perimenopusal (95% CI; 1.3 – 1.8, P < .001), according to the researchers.

“Given the strong link between insomnia and such poor health outcomes as heart disease and obesity, this study offers valuable insight for physicians who are treating middle-aged patients and considering various preventative treatment options,” Wulf Utian, MD, PhD, DSc, executive director of The North American Menopause Society, said in a press release. – by Casey Hower

Reference:

Ciano CL, et al. The Prevalence of Insomnia in Perimenopausal Women Transitioning to Menopause. Presented at: 2015 Annual Meeting of the North American Menopause Society; Sept. 30-Oct 3, 2015; Cleveland.