Okay Club 50 ladies, if you and Mr. Sandman are no longer on a first-name basis, you might wonder if it was something you said. Personally, I used to be able to sleep anywhere, at any time. But once I joined the “club,” Mr. Sandman lost my address. Welcome to menopause. As far as remedies, if you’ve done your research, you already know about the plethora of suggestions for a better night’s slumber. I’ve tried magnesium, melatonin and 5-HTP supplements at bedtime. I’ve used ear plugs and eye masks, sipped on herbal tea and nixed electronics pre-lights out. All with little to no change in my sleep quality. And then I tried two things: 1) eliminating all distractions in my sleep environment (i.e., temporarily moving into the guest room) and 2) altering my bedtime/wake times. Both adjustments allowed my body’s circadian rhythm to reset, which helped me reacquaint with Mr. Sandman. Also, regular acupuncture and consistent yoga practice may contribute to better Zzzzs.

What’s your go-to sleep aid?

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