Insomnia only durring the Summer

[LisaLee60]

I have menopause and I get Insomnia only durring the summer, any other time i'm able to sleep fine, I would like to know why it's only the summer I have insomnia, and if there is any way that I can help make it easiar. Thank you.  

[LisaLee60]

I have been walking every morning at 8:00am (without sunglasses) for about an hour. Would this be the same exposure as an indoor light producing 10,000 Lux? Thank you again so much for your help.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, Light therapy involves exposure to visible light (indoor) that produces a 10,000 lux at eye level (no sunglasses) for 30 minutes every day is quite effective. Alprazolam is known to have dependency if used for long term, you need to slowly withdraw the drug and can shift to zolpidem or zopiclone (short term) but only after consultation from physician. Take care and regards.

[LisaLee60]

Thank you for this information, you are the only one who seems to understand my symptoms. A few followup questions: In using light therapy, is it better to go outside into the sunshine, and for how long? Also, should I wear sun glasses. With regards to the non-benzodiazepines, I am already taking Alprazolam 0.5 mg and it does seem to help but I am afraid of becoming dependent on it. Would you recommend something else? I have been having this problem for 4 years now, along with menopause and have tried many "natural" sleeping aids like herbal tea, melatonin (3 mg), kava kava, passion flower, etc. Nothing works. Please help! I appreciate anything you can tell me.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, insomnia in relation with the season is not well studied where as seasonal depression is well known fact and it can be associated with insomnia. The condition is known as Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Two seasonal patterns of SAD have been described: the fall-onset SAD and the summer-onset SAD. Yours is suggestive of summer onset type.

The exact cause remains elusive but few reasons like abnormal melatonin metabolism and altered circadian rhythm have postulated.

The therapy consists of light therapy where you will be exposed to specific amount of light during day to alter your abnormal melatonin turnover. This procedure has shown to be effective in some.

You also need to rule out some medical conditions like hyperthyroidism which is associated with intolerance to heat as well as palpitations (loud heart beats) to name a few. Due to intolerance to heat there will be a sleep deprivation. To rule out this condition you need to undergo thyroid profiling.

Short course of non-benzodiazepines against prescription will help you in induction of sleep during summer. Along with this you can go for morning exercise which will help you to get sound sleep at night. Melatonin agonist against prescription will help as useful adjuvant.

I suggest you to consult physician for further evaluation. Take care and regards.

[silver&gold]

I find that I am generally less active in the summer because its too hot, maybe going for an evening walk and cutting back on any drinks containing caffeine which are a stimulant may help you.

Best wishes
Angie