Yoga may Help Prevent Insomnia in Menopausal Women

Going through menopause can be a complicated and challenging time for women. Defined as the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, the process typically occurs 12 months after a woman's last period, and the average age for a woman to go through menopause is 51 in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Fortunately, a recent study shows that taking a 12-week yoga class and practicing at home could be linked to less insomnia in women who are currently going through menopause. Many have linked bothersome hot flashes and night sweats to being unable to sleep. However, researchers tested the beneficial effects of yoga via a randomized trial. 

"Many women suffer from insomnia during menopause, and it's good to know that yoga may help them," said lead author Katherine Newton, PhD, a senior investigator at Group Health Research Institute, via a press release. "Hormone therapy is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for hot flashes and night sweats," Dr. Newton said, "and fewer women are opting for hormone therapy these days."

The study examined three "natural" approaches, including yoga, exercise or fish oil, all of which might help ease menopausal symptoms. Researchers assigned 249 healthy, previously sedentary women to multiple sites, including Group Health, in which they did yoga, a moderate aerobic exercise program, and a group that did not exercise but either received an omega-3 fatty acid supplement or a placebo.

Findings showed that exercise fared the best option at improving insomnia and depression problems experienced by the women. Yoga was also linked to better sleep quality and less depression. However, the researchers note that the findings were not statistically significant, and the omega-3 supplement had no effect on menopausal symptoms.

More information regarding the study can be found via Menopause.