Perimenopause sleep problems and night sweats

Why sleep becomes fragile during perimenopause, and how to protect it.

Broken sleep is one of the most common complaints in perimenopause. Night sweats, early waking, racing thoughts and needing the toilet at night can all play a part, and poor sleep can make brain fog, mood and energy worse.

Start here to understand why sleep can change during the transition, which practical steps are worth trying, and which treatments have good evidence behind them.

Articles in this guide

Perimenopause night sweats: why they happen and what helps Perimenopause night sweats can soak your sheets and break your sleep. Why they happen, bedroom fixes to try, and treatments to ask your doctor about.
Perimenopause insomnia: why you can't fall asleep Perimenopause insomnia can leave you tired but wide awake at bedtime. Why falling asleep gets harder, why CBT-I comes first, and what to know about pills.
Perimenopause fatigue: why you're so tired, and what helps Perimenopause fatigue is common, but it isn't always hormones. The usual causes, from broken sleep to low iron and thyroid, what helps, and tests to ask about.
Why you're wide awake at 3am in perimenopause Hot, wired and staring at the ceiling? Why perimenopause breaks sleep in the early hours, what else to rule out, and seven things that help.

Other guides

Perimenopause basics: what it is, stages and how long it lasts · Brain fog, mood and anxiety in perimenopause · Perimenopause sleep problems and night sweats · Hot flashes, aches and body changes in perimenopause · Irregular periods and cycle changes in perimenopause · Perimenopause treatment: HRT and other options · Perimenopause lifestyle and self-advocacy · Symptom dictionary · Toolkit

General information about perimenopause. Not a substitute for personal medical advice. Editorial standards · Disclaimer · Privacy · Terms