Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Does menopause influence nocturnal awakening with headache?
L M Lucchesi1, H Hachul, F Yagihara
1Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil.
Climacteric : the Journal of the International Menopause Society
|November 2, 2012
Summary
Menopausal status significantly influences nocturnal awakening with headache (NAH) in women. Perimenopausal women face a substantially higher risk of experiencing NAH, often accompanied by hot flushes and sleep disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Women's Health
- Neurology
Background:
- Nocturnal awakening with headache (NAH) is a recognized sleep disturbance.
- The influence of menopausal status on NAH requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if menopausal status affects the occurrence of NAH in women.
- To explore the relationship between NAH and sociodemographic factors, menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study (n=576) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, categorized women by menopausal status (pre-, peri-, early, late).
- NAH was assessed using the UNIFESP Sleep questionnaire.
- Hormonal measures, sleep parameters (polysomnography), and various symptom questionnaires were utilized.
Main Results:
- NAH prevalence was 13.3% in the studied population.
- Perimenopause was strongly associated with a higher risk of NAH (OR 13.9).
- NAH was more frequent in obese women and associated with hot flushes, poor sleep quality, insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Menopausal status is a significant factor influencing NAH.
- Perimenopausal women exhibit a high risk for NAH.
- NAH in women is linked to a cluster of symptoms including hot flushes, sleep complaints, anxiety, and fatigue.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
01:07Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
01:27Insomnia
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:19Management of Insomnia
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...