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[Sarah2]

Poor sleep was my main issue with menopause and that is why I went onto HRT- plus the hourly flushes.

Have you had treatment for your high BP? Or is it something that you could try to reduce by lifestyle measures as well?
Do you get much exercise? Exercising outside might help too.

[mazzy]

Hi Sarah2

I have been on BP medication for a long time and despite various lifestyle changes my BP is still very much up and down.  I had BP problems with my 1st pregnancy where I was hospitalised for the last 6wks until my Son was born and my BP never really returned to normal.  Had problems with the following pregnancies and then in my early 40's my BP started to spiral and I was put on medication.

My Brothers and Sisters have it too, so it must be genetic.  I am lucky that despite my sleep problems, I have got away lightly with all the other menopause symptoms (no hot flushes etc).  Its 3 years since I finished my periods and my sex life has improved too.

When I read some of the stories on the forum I realise how lucky I am, so I shouldn't moan about lack of sleep really should I ?


Mazzy x

[Joyce]

Sorry, thought I'd posted on this earlier, but nope.

I'm on Ramipril 10mg for slightly raised BP & I'm on HRT.

Sleep passes me by some nights. Will toss & turn for ages, sometimes up to 3/4 hours trying to dose off.  Baths, drinks etc don't help. Tried music, books too. My brain just keeps on whirring away.  Then I will be ok for a while. It's a real pain. I've even taken up knitting again as that relaxes me, still no joy.  Lack of sleep I think is my biggest problem.  Like you say mazzy I shouldn't complain either, but I do. 

[Sarah2]

High BP is not according to my gynae necessarily a no-no for HRT but it obviously depends on how high and your overall health. Transdermal HRT would be safer in terms of clotting.

Maybe if your GP can't offer much support you could see a meno specialist or clinic?

[Joyce]

My BP is monitored 6 monthly. Neither GP or gynae have had a problem with me being on HRT & BP meds. BP was never sky high, just raised a bit above normal.

[oldsheep]

I went on to HRT because of the sleep issue, as in none, even with pills. HRT helped, especially oral progesterone.

I'm a chronic, very severe insomniac. IMHO the worst thing ever, apart from the common sense ideas like no caffeine/ephedrine, is a fixation on "good sleep hygiene". The reverse is more true in that the more you de-emphasize sleep, the more likely you are to get some. Good sleepers don't "try" to sleep, take hot baths, drink milk, listen to whales farting etc. (excuse me, but am fed up with medical advice emphasising "sleep hygiene" for insomnia).

Someone else passed on some helpful advice about leaving an unengaging talk radio or tv on softly in the background, which distracts the mind from being too active.
If you can't sleep because of hormones, none of that will work.
Personally I think not sleeping is the worst thing in the world.
Send my sympathy x

[honeybun]

Every minute seems to last an hour when you can sleep.

I also have problems dropping off. Once asleep then I generally stay that way. I seem to have a window of opportunity to fall asleep and if I miss it it can take hours before I drop off. I can feel myself drifting off but if something disturbs me then that's it. It can be the smallest thing from hubby turning over to the dog moving around in her bed. Sometimes it's just that my mind refuses to switch off and I find myself stressing over rubbish.

I agree it's a horrible thing.


Honeyb
x

[Rowan]

I am exactly the same as you HB especially about the window of opportunity drifting off and the slightest sound pulling me out of it and having to start all over again trying to drift off.

[Joyce]

I have to admit to sleeping at opposite end of the house to hubby. His snoring was getting too much to cope with. Also as I have such a bother nodding off, most nights, it seemed unfair to keep him awake with my constant tossing & turning. When I did nod off, his snoring would waken me. I've found it hard, as I swore blind I'd never sleep in a separate room & I told him so. He's not bothered & probably relieved not to be getting prodded in the ribs all night long. 

However, even with our new arrangement, I still have difficulty nodding off. At least once I'm asleep I'm usually ok. Anything for a good night's sleep.

[Wombat]

Ha! So glad I am not the only one sleeping away from hubby. Your right I either poke him in the ribs all night and toss and turn or we sleep in separate beds and at least he gets to sleep   
Good to know I'm not alone, I too said I would never do it. Hey ho 

[oldsheep]

I tried the Snorer on those nose strip things. It did help a bit with the snoring, but not the exhalation blowing noise that drives me nuts! I can hear it through my wax earplugs and sometimes it's not that fragrant either 

[Joyce]

Oh dear what are we like. Snore strips, ear plugs. What a gorgeous lot we are.  Between that & flannel PJs, socks & whatever else we wear in bed, it's a wonder  ever happens. 

[valiantkate]

although Ive not really had too many problems I do sympathise, At certain points- generally when Ive been anxious Ive taken 'Kalms'- the cat went bonkers for them! It wasnt very helpful though anad the hours tick by so slowly. At the moment my lack of sleep is caused by painful joints so its easy to identify the cause.
I do hope you find a solution , and soon! xxxx

[oldsheep]

although Ive not really had too many problems I do sympathise, At certain points- generally when Ive been anxious Ive taken 'Kalms'- the cat went bonkers for them! It wasnt very helpful though anad the hours tick by so slowly. At the moment my lack of sleep is caused by painful joints so its easy to identify the cause.
I do hope you find a solution , and soon! xxxx

Your cat ate Kalms?! You have an insomniac cat? 
I think the pointy heads should investigate kitty brains for what causes sleep (gently I mean..no kitty experiments) and that would sort out insomnia once and for all.

[mazzy]

The last few posts have made me laugh.  I didn't know so many of you had the sleep problems, although they are all caused by different things.

Mazzy