insomnia - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

New Research from the CWMH: Escitalopram and Sleep in Midlife Women with Vasomotor Symptoms

Selective serotonin and serotonin-norepinephrine inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs) have been shown to be effective for the treatment of hot flashes. However, these agents may carry certain side effects, including sexual side effects and sleep disturbance. These two side effects may be particularly concerning to peri- and postmenopausal women who, in addition to having vasomotor symptoms, are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction and sleep disruption than premenopausal women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-06-08T09:03:31-04:00August 20th, 2012|Medication, Menopausal Symptoms, Research at CWMH, Sleep Disorders, Treatment|Comments Off

Insomnia Across the Female Life Cycle

In the July 2010 issue of Current Psychiatry, you will find a thorough review on the evaluation and treatment of insomnia in women across the life cycle. The bottom line is that many women experience insomnia during times of hormonal transition. The authors provide some useful guidelines for evaluating women who present with sleep problems (taken from Table 2):

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-12-11T09:41:06-04:00October 12th, 2010|Menopausal Symptoms, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Sleep Disorders|Comments Off

Melatonin in Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

Many women experience some degree of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. For a significant number of women, the sleep disruption may be so severe as to require some type of intervention. In a previous post, we discussed the use of different types of medications to treat insomnia during pregnancy. While these drugs are highly effective, many women with sleep problems inquire about the use of "natural" agents, such as melatonin, during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-04-07T09:30:08-04:00May 30th, 2008|Alternative & Complementary, Child Outcomes, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations, Sleep Medications|Comments Off

Treatment of Insomnia During Pregnancy

Most women experience some degree of sleep disturbance during pregnancy, and for a significant number of women sleep disruption may be quite severe. There are many different causes for sleep disturbance during pregnancy, and choosing the appropriate intervention relies on an accurate diagnosis of the problem.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-12-11T09:41:07-04:00November 19th, 2007|Pregnancy & Medications, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Sleep Disorders|Comments Off

Sleep Problems in Menopausal Women

Peri- and post-menopausal women frequently complain of insomnia or poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbance is often attributed to nocturnal hot flashes; however, a recent study from researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests that about half of these women may have a primary sleep disorder.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:44:52-04:00November 3rd, 2007|Menopausal Symptoms, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Sleep Disorders|Comments Off