From experiencing hot flashes and mood swings to witnessing alterations in sleep patterns, menopause introduces a spectrum of bodily transformations, turning the journey into an unpredictable and intricate experience.

Signs & symptoms of menopause

Have you experienced or heard women speak about the varied symptoms that come with menopause? 

From hot flashes, night sweats, migraines and unwanted hair growth, to bloating, constipation and insomnia, the effects of menopause can be felt from head to toe. Can you relate?

In fact, according to studies, approximately 75% of women experience hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations and migraines, while 60% experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, atrophy, and a decline in libido.³

So, if you find yourself navigating this rollercoaster of symptoms, know that you’re not alone.

Now, let’s get into a topic and question that can weigh heavy on our minds… Why does menopause cause insomnia?

Why does menopause cause insomnia?

You’ve spent the night tossing and turning, sighing in frustration as the hours pass by with little to no sleep, and you find yourself asking the question, “Why?”

Entering menopause often brings more sleep troubles for women. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a common complaint among menopausal women. 

According to the 3-P Model (pathogenic model), various factors like previous struggles with insomnia and the natural aging process can heighten the chances of experiencing sleep issues during menopause. 

Additionally, hormonal changes and symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, overall health issues, pain, other sleep problems, and changes in daily rhythms can contribute to insomnia during this phase.⁴

Hot flashes are probably one of the most pressing symptoms keeping you from a good night’s sleep. If you’ve ever woken up completely drenched in sweat, your clothes sticking to you and your sheets feel damp, you can imagine how uncomfortable and restless you would feel. And this can happen more than once over night, seriously impacting your quality of sleep.

But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom when it comes to your sleep, because there are a few ways you can help support a comfortable sleep environment:

Foods:

When it comes to sleep, it’s best to avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, along with spicy foods, as they can trigger sweating, worsen night sweats, and disrupt your sleep. Despite the belief that alcohol aids relaxation, it can negatively impact sleep later on as well.⁵

Exercise:

Regular aerobic exercise can help improve sleep quality, mood, and energy in menopausal women. However, try to avoid exercising three hours before bedtime.⁶

Bedroom Climate:

This one’s important! Create a cool, well-ventilated bedroom environment. Opt for loose clothing made of natural fibers like cotton to mitigate the impact of hot flashes. Using cotton sheets and wearing socks to bed can help regulate core body temperature.⁷

Bedtime Routine:

Establish a consistent bedtime schedule, like going to bed at the same time every night. Avoid eating, reading, or watching television in bed. Take a cool bath or shower before bed if you experience night sweats, and ensure you use the bathroom before you get into bed.⁸

Relax:

Believe it or not, worrying about sleep can worsen the situation. So, incorporating relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or listening to soothing sounds, may help to create a more peaceful transition for sleep.⁹

What are Castor Oil Packs?

Have you heard of Castor Oil Packs? This time-tested ancient wellness practice has been used for centuries when it comes to naturally supporting your wellness, but what about your sleep?

You see, a Castor Oil Pack is so much more than ‘a piece of cloth’ soaked in Castor Oil, and has been upgraded to be easier and versatile for you. Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs have taken this ancient practice and revitalized it for the modern era- making this practice less-mess, and best of all- simple!

Plus, that old piece of cloth soaked in Castor Oil that your Grandma may have used is no more.

All Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs are made with:

✓ Organic Cotton: The inner layer touching your skin is organic, natural, and unbleached, reflecting our commitment to honesty and transparency in manufacturing.

✓ Less Mess Layer: The outer layer is polypropylene thermally bonded to organic cotton—cleaner than chemical bonding. Polypropylene is a food-grade plastic (i.e. what yogurt containers are made of). Note: This pack is less-mess, not messless; Castor Oil may stain fabrics.

✓ Adjustable Straps: Soft, stretchy nylon straps make the pack adjustable for most body sizes. Size up to Pelvis & Hip Pack for larger bodies, or down to the Kids Pack for petite frames.

✓ Comfortable for Sleep: Stretchy, adjustable straps offer a cozy, warm hug without uncomfortable buckles, buttons, velcro, or zippers—ideal for moving around or relaxing in bed.

Castor Oil Packs for sleep

Now, I know what you’re thinking… How can a compress and Castor Oil really help me get a good night’s sleep, right?

Imagine your nightly routine feeling like a warm hug for your body, similar to snuggling under your favorite cozy blanket. As you ease into the evening, slipping under the covers becomes a comforting self-care routine with your Castor Oil Pack.

You see, studies have shown that there’s a connection between oxytocin and pleasant human touch via stimulating c-afferent nerves (receptors that respond to light touch).¹⁰

So, it could be said that when a soft Castor Oil Pack is wrapped around you, c-afferent nerves may be stimulated, releasing oxytocin, therefore helping you enter the ‘rest and digest’ state.

Plus, Castor Oil Packs that gently embrace your curves, create a sense of ease and relaxation that helps with stress so you drift into a deep, restful sleep. This soothing experience is so comfortable that you can enjoy the benefits of the pack while you sleep, making your journey through menopausal nights more tranquil and rejuvenating.

Sounds wonderful, agreed?

But it doesn’t just stop there! Ever tried an eye compress for sleep and relaxation support? It’s just like your Liver Castor Oil Pack, but for your eyes!

Wearing a cozy, soft eye mask gently rests on your tired eyes, helping to block out stimulation and distractions while you unwind for the night. 

Plus, it’s thought that wearing an eye mask helps to naturally support your sleep hormone- melatonin!¹¹ Pretty awesome, right?

Conclusion

Navigating insomnia during menopause can be a challenging task, but incorporating simple and natural self-care practices can help make a difference.

When you embrace the possible soothing benefits of Castor Oil for menopause sleep issues and Castor Oil Packs, you’re not only providing yourself with potential physical relief, but also creating a comforting routine to help ease your mind and body.

Just as our bodies undergo changes, our self-care practice should evolve too. So, let the gentle touch of Castor Oil be a nightly companion, helping you reclaim the restful sleep that menopause has been trying to steal away.

Sweet dreams await as you support your well-deserved moments of tranquility with natural self-care.

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!