During a follow-up consultation recently, someone told me that one of the most impactful things Hypopressives helped with from the get-go, was learning how to properly switch off and rest.  REAL REST- not the pretend kind where she felt too guilty to properly switch off, or was going through endless mental lists.

It prompted me to write this to share with you the importance of REAL REST.

Rest is critically important to overall health, and its significance becomes even more pronounced for women during menopause, especially when combined with multiple life stressors like caring for aging parents, managing career pressures, and experiencing the emotional shift of children leaving home.

Why is Rest so Crucial During Menopause?

1. 

Hormonal Changes

Menopause involves a significant drop in oestrogen and progesterone hormones that help regulate sleep, mood, and stress responses. As these decline, we often experience:

• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Mood swings and anxiety
• Hot flushes and night sweats that disturb rest

Without adequate rest, these symptoms often worsen, creating a vicious cycle.

2. 

Cognitive Function & Emotional Resilience

Poor sleep and lack of rest impair:

• Memory, focus, and decision-making
• Emotional regulation, making stress feel more overwhelming
• Resilience, reducing ability to cope with life transitions (e.g., empty nest syndrome, caregiving demands)

3. 

Immune Function and Physical Health

Rest is when the body repairs and restores itself. Inadequate rest can:

• Weaken the immune system
• Increase inflammation (exacerbating menopause symptoms like joint pain)
• Increase the risk of chronic diseases (heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure)

4. 

Weight Management and Metabolism

Sleep deprivation affects appetite hormones (ghrelin and leptin), increasing cravings, particularly for sugar and carbs—common complaints during menopause. This can:

• Contribute to weight gain, especially belly fat
• Disrupt insulin sensitivity, increasing risk for metabolic syndrome

Practical Strategies for Prioritizing Rest

1. Establish Boundaries – Protect rest time by saying no to non-urgent demands.
2. Sleep Hygiene – Maintain a cool, dark room; stick to a consistent bedtime; limit caffeine/alcohol.
3. Mind-Body Practices like Hypopressives can help ease stress and improve sleep quality.
4. Delegate – Share responsibilities with partners or other family members.
5. Seek Help – Therapy, support groups, or even medication (when needed) can make a difference.

Bottom Line

For women in midlife, rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a biological and emotional necessity. Failing to prioritise it can amplify the strain of menopause and life’s demands, undermining physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Making rest non-negotiable is one of the most powerful forms of self-care, especially during this transitional time.