Menopausal can`t sleep any ideas?!

Menopausal can`t sleep any ideas?

I am 51 stopped taking hormones after 2 years because of the serious risks,age,smoking,blood clots etc.i feel much better off of them except i can`t sleep i have nite sweats alot but i need some suggestions on sleepingAny over the counter products?Help

First I will address the sleeping issue. If you are not sleeping well, your body is now under stress. This stress builds up in your mind and body. One good way to relieve some of this stress is to find a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and make an appointment for a nice relaxing Traditional Swedish Massage. If you do this, ask for her/him to use a lotion that contains lavendar. (I prefer lotion rather than oils or creams because they don't leave you feeling "greasy") It is a very light scent and is very relaxing for the mind and body. (part of a lttle aromatherapy)

Your next step is to go down to your local Wal-Mart store and check out a product called Estoven. It has some vitamins & minerals in it but will not conflict with any multi-vitamin that you may be taking because all the vitamins in this product are water soliuble. Which means that whatever your body doesn't need it will expel on its own. Estoven contains all natural ingredients and herbs. I, myself, use it and it has helped tremendously. I am peri-menopausal, and have been for almost 4 - 5 years now. (the process begins early in our family & seems to last forever) They have Estoven Plus for those in the height of menopause. It also cantains Soy, which has been found in research to lessen the effects of some of the symptoms of menopause, (including hot falshes & night sweats). It also contains an all natural herbal blend to help with sleep. (anything natural is not addictive) You can check out info on Estoven @ www.estroven.com or by calling 1-877-ESTROVEN.

Next let's got to the Health & Beauty or Baby Department. It may sound funny but it is helpful. Get yourself a bottle of (1 each) Johnson & Johnson Baby Wash & lotion containing Lavendar & Chamomille. (the bottle is ususlly lavendar in color) These both have qualties for soothing & relaxing you mind & body. Use this when you bathe or shower. It doesn't have to be everyday. (a little more aromatherapy)

Next let's travel to the food section and buy some Silk. It is a Soy MIlk. I prefer the Vanilla. Use it on your breakfast cereal or drink it with your breakfast. (I have tried it in my coffee, I wouldn't recomend this. YUCK! I like my creamer.)This is adding more Soy protein into your diet. Now let's find the isle where there is tea. Celestial Seasonings Sleepy TIme Tea is your best bet here. It is also made of all natural herbs. This contains Chamomille, which is calming. Drink this before bedtime.

You may also want to slowly (to avoid headaches) cut down on our caffeine intake if you consume a lot of products conataining this during the day. Tea has far less caffeine than coffee. I drink de-caf. Green Tea has great antioxidants in it also. Another thought to help with overall health. So does dark chocolate, but don't overindulge. LOL I LOVE dark chocolate!

If you do seek out a Certified Massage Therapist, make sure that you drink plenty of water before & after your massage as your body will release built up toxins out of your muscles. If you don't do this you could have Flu like symptoms such as aching and soreness of the muscles. You should drink water everyday anyway to help flush your system and it is something that your body needs and actually craves.

As for Night sweats. Someone suggested a fan aimed on her and not her husband. I haven't really experienced this yet, (and am NOT looking forward to it). The Estoven & extra Soy in your diet should help with this. And heck a fan wouldn't hurt as it gives you a nice breeze and some white noise to lull you off to sleep. :)

My sister stopped taking synthetic hormones & replaced it with Effexsor and it was no help to her at all, but she also had chronic pain.

A nice walk is also a good form of exercise which in turn releases "feel good" endorphines into your system giving you and overall feeling of balance and well being. Exercise is also recommended for bone density.

Meditation is also relaxing and will put you into a nice peaceful sleep if done when you lie down at bedtime. Doing some meditation in the afternoon will give you extra energy and help balance out your day.

Please make sure that the Massage Therapist that you choose, (if you go in this direction), is Nationally Certified. I can't stress this enough. This means that they have been trained well enough to pass the National Exam and know what they are doing. Trust me, the test is NOT easy! You can't even begin to imagine all that one must know to pass this test. And PLEASE be totally honest with your Therapist of all known illnesses and current meds and everything. It is all confidential. This helps them with the best treatment method for you. Even if it is just for relaxation.

Sorry this is a little long, but I only speak what I know, trust and believe.

Hope this helps!
Elvn