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Sleep During Menopausal Transition: A 6-Year Follow-Up
Laura Lampio1,2, Päivi Polo-Kantola1,3, Sari-Leena Himanen4,5
1Department of Physiology, Sleep Research Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Sleep
|May 20, 2017
Summary
Aging and menopausal transition significantly worsen sleep continuity in women, reducing total sleep time and efficiency. However, the menopausal state may restore some slow-wave sleep (SWS).
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Women's Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Menopausal transition is linked to sleep disturbances, but its precise impact on sleep architecture remains unclear.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for addressing sleep quality in aging women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate changes in sleep stages and continuity during the menopausal transition over a 6-year period.
- To assess the influence of aging and menopausal status on women's sleep architecture.
Main Methods:
- A 6-year prospective follow-up study involving 60 premenopausal women (mean age 46.0 years at baseline).
- Sleep architecture was assessed using polysomnography at baseline and follow-up.
- Linear regression models analyzed the effects of aging and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (S-FSH) on sleep parameters, controlling for confounders.
Main Results:
- Aging led to reduced total sleep time, lower sleep efficiency, increased transitions from slow-wave sleep (SWS) to wakefulness, and more wake after sleep onset.
- Significant increases were observed in awakenings per hour and arousal index with aging.
- Higher S-FSH levels during menopausal transition correlated with increased SWS, even after adjusting for confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Women experience significant sleep continuity deterioration between ages 46 and 52.
- The transition to menopause appears to partially restore slow-wave sleep (SWS) despite aging-related sleep disruptions.
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