Better sleep during menopause.

Research data from a Cincinnati sleep-disorders center show that the plant-derived low-dose estrogen called Cenestin (synthetic conjugated estrogens) reduced nocturnal hot flashes in postmenopausal women by nearly 80 percent. Study participants who took the prescription drug reported an improvement in overall sleep quality, indicating they fell asleep faster and slept a longer period of time.

Sleep disturbances caused by night sweats or hot flashes are common in women of menopausal age. As levels of estrogen decrease, difficulty sleeping often increases.

The preliminary trial enrolled 19 women between 45 and 60 years of age who were experiencing an average of two episodes of night sweats and/or hot flashes per night. Participants were given either 0.625 mg of Cenestin or a placebo once daily for a six-week period. They were monitored at a sleep center at the start of the trial and again during the final three days of treatment.

Experts in women's health recommend low-dose, short-term estrogen therapy to treat moderate or severe symptoms associated with menopause: vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes and night sweats), vaginal itching and dryness. The Cenestin dose given in the trial is considered "low-dose" therapy.