You know Dame, there’s not a week that goes by that I don’t have someone walk through my door and tell me they’re not sleeping well. In fact, every party I go to, one of my friends will come up and ask, champagne in hand, ‘what’s your best tip for sleep’?
And can I tell you, my advice generally goes down like a lead balloon!
Why I'm a little unpopular at parties
The advice is this…
If you are having trouble sleeping, waking up at ‘stupid o’clock’ or sweating your box off through the night…
Put your glass down and stop drinking alcohol for a while.
Now everyone knows I loves me a drink, but when my sleep’s gone to s**t, alcohol is the first thing I forgo. Sleep is just too too important.
Can you see why my friends are now avoiding me!!! They know what I’m going to say to them. Debbie Downer strikes again!
Rethink the drink
Hey, there are a ton of other reasons for us to temper our tipples. Even though you may think it’s relaxing, it’s actually shrinking your brain. And I can tell you from one Dame to another, I need all the brain power I can get at the moment… Not only that, it’ll lead to a disordered stress response. So, if you’re already feeling a bit wonky, alcohol is not your friend (more like a frenemy).
Tell me, how often have you got home from work, poured yourself a glass of wine and snacked away on cheese and bickies until dinner (and then eaten a full meal…)? That’s because alcohol also stimulates your appetite. BOOOO!!!
And remember, drinking alcohol puts you at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than HRT does.
What have you got to lose?
So, if you’re struggling to get some quality zeds, maybe try having a week or two off the booze. I’m not saying you can’t ever drink again or enjoy the odd glass, BUT, if you are not sleeping, getting lots of hot flushes and feeling fractious, it may make a you feel a bit better.
I mean, what have you got to lose? Nothing! (except maybe a little weight and less hot flushes and a shinier disposition…).
Here’s the thing Dame, I know I sound like a bit of a wowser and that I’m asking you to live like a Nun, but the greatest thing I want for you is a healthy and happy transition.
So, on that note, we’re going to be talking about sleep all this month and I’m going to give you lots of top tips. But if you would like to dive deeper, get the Sleepless in Seattle Insiders Guide – the comprehensive guide to managing insomnia.
Right then, now I want to hear from you. Is there anything you’ve tried that helps improve your sleep? Let me know and I’ll share it with ‘our kind’ hello@greatdames.com.au
Because remember, we should not be doing menopause alone…together we’ve got this.
Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep being great.
Marnie
P.S If you haven’t already done so, make sure you download your FREE Survivor’s Guide to Menopause (did I say it’s free?).
P.P.S If you know someone who is struggling with all the changes, please share this with them.