Menopause is another source of potential sleep problems...for women. The hot flashes and associated breathing changes that most women experience during this time appear to disturb sleep and may lead to daytime fatigue.

Seventy-five percent of menopausal women suffer from hot flashes, on average for five years. While the total sleep time for women suffering from hot flashes did not differ from women who didn't experience them in one study, hot flashes were associated with more frequent arousals: once every eight minutes on average. Next-day fatigue and lethargy seem to be more likely consequences than excessive daytime sleepiness.

Apnea rises in women starting at age 50. Women who experience apneas and hot flashes appear likely to experience the latter before the former. This respiratory connection was explored in research using "paced respiration," or scheduled breathing, at the beginning of the hot flash. This approach significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes.

Another approach involves hormonal treatment with progesterone and estrogen. (Hot flashes are associated with reduced estrogen production.) Naps may help alleviate fatigue too. However, if insomnia is a problem, naps should be avoided. They can contribute to nighttime sleep difficulty.

Next: Noisy Sleepers