Hormonal Changes And Effect on Sleep

Hormones are the chemical messengers in your body, released by the endocrine system for various diverse purposes. Their main role is to help some of the major organs perform their everyday functions. These hormones, once released into the bloodstream, affect various important processes in the body. These include growth and development, mood, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, etc.

In case of any hormonal changes or imbalance, these activities tend to get somewhat disrupted. Not only this, there are also a number of side effects associated with hormonal changes.

Side Effects Associated with Hormonal Changes

Hormonal change makes our body experience a lot of physical and emotional ups and downs. These include diabetes, infertility, sudden weight gain or weight loss, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, fatigue, irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, osteoporosis or weakening of the bones, mood swings, increased or reduced appetite, etc. One major symptom associated with hormonal changes, however, is an impaired sleep pattern. On the other hand, persistent problem of sleeplessness may at the same time also contribute to hormonal changes going on inside our body.

The Problems with Sleeplessness

Sleeplessness is a serious condition which not only affects quality or the amount of sleep, but over a period of time, disrupts your entire lifestyle. If you do not sleep well one night, you would be cranky and fatigued all through the following day. It is understandable that this would make you irritated at the slightest of provocation, which could affect your relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It also leads to brain fog, wherein your brain is simply unable to carry out the simplest of tasks. Furthermore, this significantly affects your performance, and contributes to symptoms of stress and anxiety. Besides, persistent sleep deprivation could also lead to some serious disorders, including depression and insomnia.

Hormonal Changes Among Women

Women hormones tend to undergo huge changes several times in her life. In fact, women experience the hormonal changes more frequently and severely as compared to men, which makes them all the more prone to the problems associated with the same.

Some of the important landmarks when these hormone levels significantly sore or drop include menstruation, during and after childbirth, and most importantly, the time around menopause. These changes not only wreak a major havoc on women’s mood and appetite, but also keep them up at night.

Menopause, in fact, is one of the most tricky times in a woman’s lifespan. It causes a significant drop in the level of Oestrogen or the female sex hormone in their bodies which has been a help to control their menstrual cycle. It is also responsible for development of secondary sexual characteristics among women. With menopause, however, the level of oestrogen hormone in her body begin to reduce. This leads to a host of physical changes in her body, and also a range of health problems. The prominent one includes sleeplessness.

Hormonal Changes and Sleep – The Relationship

Those individuals who are experiencing hormonal changes may generally experience sleeplessness signs and symptoms. This includes trouble falling asleep, difficulty in sleeping, getting up more frequently than normal, etc. In fact, it becomes an ordeal for the person to get through the night with a desperate need but a sheer inability to get quality sleep. Imagine the perils of suffering from chronic sleeplessness, wherein this happens with people, night after night.

Sleep Well to Balance your Hormones

Sleep boosts our immune system and hence, the level of Prolactin hormone in our bodies. Insufficient levels of Prolactin could not only cause concentration issues, but also increase our cravings for high carb foods, which can eventually leads to the health issues of weight gain and diabetes. It is also interesting to note that sleep also controls the level of insulin and Cortisol hormones in the body, thus making us feel hungry as we wake up in the morning. That is where the need for breakfast comes in, since it provides us the fuel to face the day head on. Moreover, a steady flow of hormones while we sleep also prevents us from having to get up in the night to go to the bathroom.

Having a good night’s sleep, thus, allows the endocrine system to replenish the hormones on daily basis and carry out various vital biological processes. This is because anything that affects our sleep also affects our hormones, and causes or cures the problem of hormonal change.

So make sure to take all measures that allow you to get a good night’s sleep. It definitely allows your hormones to remain in harmony, and your overall health in order.

About the Author:

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.

www.drsonicakrishan.com

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