Insomnia, hormone levels, and women

[nandm]

I have been fighting with insomnia for over 2 years now. There have been days when I have gone without sleep for more than 48 hours. I began to keep a diary on my sleep patterns and noticed that I slept better for about 3 - 5 days a month, which was around my menstrual cycle (sorry men I realize that is not necessarily a comfortable topic for you). I spoke with my primary care doctor and she did not think it was hormone related and gave me ambien to resolve the problem. I hated the ambien. It left me groggy for 2 days after taking it so I threw it out. That was about 6 months ago. Due to some irregularities with my menstrual cycle my primary care doctor had me see a gynocologist. It was found that I have some issues that need to be adressed that directly affect my hormome levels. The gynocologist believes that my insomnia is directly related to my hormone levels. I have finally had one good week of sleep for the first time in two years. My head is clearer, my memory is better, and I am not as irritable and anxious. It is wonderful. I am so glad to finally see the light at the end of this tunnel. I don't know if my experience will help with anyone else out there but if you are a woman suffering from insomnia it might be worth keeping a sleep diary and discussing it with your doctor as it may have to do with your hormones.