Trastornos del sueño relacionados con el climaterio femenino y su tratamiento

Abstract

Objective: reviewing the physiological aspects of sleep, the menopause's effect on sleep and the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders associated with menopause. Results: sleep disorders are becoming increasingly more frequent amongst the general population, having important consequences on the quality of life for those suffering them. They must thus be studied, diagnosed and treated. In the case of women, such disorders may appear to be linked to important hormonal changes dunng menopause and can evolve to the point of modifying their habitual behaviour, becoming symptomatic. Conclusions: treatment of these sleep disorders is symptomatic and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most accepted for treating hot flushes. Hypnotic drug use is recommended for transitory insomnia and consulting sleep medicine is recommended for pre-existing sleep problems which progress during this period, always ensuring that such treatment is suitable and specific. The controversial or insufficient evidence regarding many topics regarding treatment is means that further clinical studies are needed.