Insomnia and working out
For the past three years, I’ve been going through menopause and experiencing some unpleasant symptoms.
I suffer from more frequent headaches and lots of hot flashes.
Without any warning whatsoever, my body suddenly heats up very quickly. I get so uncomfortably hot that sweat runs down my face. The hot flashes are unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing. I’ve done some research on how to combat the symptoms of menopause and most articles and blogs suggest exercise. Since I’ve always been very committed to physical fitness, that recommendation doesn’t help me much. However, I also deal with insomnia. Since starting menopause, sleeping has become difficult and frustrating.I actually dread going to bed at night. Despite feeling exhausted, I know that I’ll most likely lie awake for hours. If I manage to fall asleep, I’ll probably wake up in an hour or so and then be awake forever. I don’t like to waste my time lying in bed when I can’t sleep. I prefer to get up and get something accomplished. I often get up at three or four in the morning and workout. I am so frustrated over not being able to sleep, that a strenuous workout is a perfect release. I find that I get an especially beneficial workout in the middle of the night. I spend about an hour jumping rope, lifting weights and doing squats, lunges, pushups and abdominal crunches. I sometimes turn the music up loud and dance. I get my heart pumping and work up a really thorough sweat. Then I shower and go back to bed. I don’t always fall asleep right away, but I feel satisfied that my workout is taken care of.