The menopause is a natural process that every woman goes through, but that doesn't make it easy. With fluctuating hormone levels, women suffer from a range of symptoms including hot-flushes, insomnia, anxiety and headaches. All of these can seriously disrupt a woman's chances of getting a good night's sleep.

It's the time leading up to the menopause - known as the perimenopause - that causes so much trouble. Once a woman has gone through the menopause - that's 12 consecutive months without a period - she'll often find her symptoms improve.

"Good bedding and a good mattress are essentials" recommends Dr. Heather Currie, Menapuse Expert and contributor to Menopause Matters. Discover below several ways to make night-time more comfortable for anyone experiencing the impact and symptoms of menopause at night.

Anxiety

Changing hormone levels can mean increased anxiety. Avoiding caffeine in the run up to bedtime and indulging in a warm shower or bath, followed by drying off with a fluffy, soft towel will get you in the mood for a good night's sleep. A weighted blanket is designed to increase your levels of serotonin (happy hormone), melatonin (sleepy hormone) and decrease stress hormones by applying pressure stimulation over the body. Perfect to use to help relieve anxious feelings.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Sleep quality suffers as a result of frequent awakenings and discomfort, causing fatigue during the day. Choosing natural fill bedding, lower togs and bed linen with temperature-regulating properties can, especially for women suffering from hot flushes, help because of the way they wick moisture away and control humidity in the area around your body. A temperature-regulating topper will also provide a cooling sleep surface, designed to keep the body at a steady temperature, reducing the effects of night sweating.

Choosing nightwear materials which are breathable, soft and that dry quickly, helping you get the sleep you deserve. If you suffer from night sweats, a silk scrunchie is a great way to keep your hair up and away from your face and to keep you cool and comfortable.

Insomnia

According to the Sleep Charity, “changes in hormone levels as we age can cause sleep disturbances, and sleep disturbances can alter hormone levels, turning into a vicious cycle...many people will experience bouts of insomnia from time to time, but menopause-related insomnia can stretch on for weeks and months if not properly treated.

In addition to having difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep, sufferers of insomnia can have increased feelings of anxiety, problems with focusing and memory loss.

We’d always recommend using an eye mask when you sleep, to block out the light but they also encourage a calming effect to help you drift off to sleep quicker. A weighted blanket is also proven to help with insomnia, and a great addition to help your body relax and unwind under its pressure stimulation, read more about the benefits of weighted blankets here.

Protect Your Investment

In the lead up to the menopause women may suffer from abnormally heavy bleeding during their periods. Night sweats also can cause disruption to your sleep, and also may damage your bedding. So it's a wise decision to protect your mattress, pillow, duvet or topper by investing in a waterproof protector. And don't worry - a waterproof protector won't rustle and feel plasticky. The new generation of mattress protectors are as good as invisible, acting like an invisible shield as you sleep.

If you are unsure about which products suit your needs best, get in touch with our friendly expert advisors at info@soakandsleep.com or call on 01483 616 616.