Mind, sleep and the brain
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The “brain fog” experienced during menopause is usually a temporary phase, not a decline. Based on the research of Dr. Lisa Mosconi, you’ll learn here why 98% of the risk of Alzheimer’s is linked to lifestyle and how you can use this “window of opportunity” to protect your cognitive future.

Note: A shorter version of this article appeared in Nina Ruge’s newsletter at www.stayoung.de. Below you’ll find the more detailed version with the scientific sources.

The menopausal transition brings a wave of physical and emotional changes, with sleep disruptions being among the most common complaints, affecting about 50% of women in this phase. Often, sleep issues coincide with hot flushes or other symptoms. In perimenopause—the transition period before menopause—sleep problems may start suddenly. Interestingly, women in some cultures, like Japan, report fewer sleep issues, possibly due to dietary or social differences.

Many women experience changes during menopause that they hadn’t known before. One of the most common, yet lesser-known symptoms is "brain fog," which affects about 60% of women in this phase of life. But what exactly is behind it, and what can you do about it?

Menopause doesn’t just affect your body—it has a significant impact on your emotions too. If you’ve ever felt like your moods are on a rollercoaster ride, you’re not alone. Unexplained sadness, irritability, and moments of overwhelming frustration are common during this transitional phase. The good news? These emotional ups and downs aren’t permanent, and with the right approach, you can steady the ship.

Menopause is a phase of transition that begins for most women between the ages of 45 and 55. Many women experience a range of symptoms during this time that can greatly impact daily life. However you're feeling – you’re not alone, and there are ways to navigate these changes.

We live in a world that never really sleeps—and, above all, is never really dark. As renowned sleep researcher Matthew Walker aptly puts it: “We live in a darkness-deprived society.”

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life. It marks the transition from the reproductive to the non-reproductive phase and comes with various physical and emotional changes. This process affects millions of women worldwide, usually beginning between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can start earlier. In Germany, around nine million women are currently going through menopause, with approximately 47 million women worldwide entering this phase each year.

Note: A shorter version of this article appeared in Nina Ruge’s newsletter at www.stayoung.de. We highly recommend subscribing to her newsletter! Below you’ll find the full version of the article, including all academic references.

2:58 a.m. Boom—suddenly you’re awake. The room is quiet, but your mind isn’t: thoughts, to-do lists, and worries are racing through your head. And while everyone else is still asleep, you ask yourself: Why does this happen every night?

Hinweis: Eine kürzere Version dieses Artikels erschien im Newsletter von Nina Ruge auf www.stayoung.de. Eine klare Empfehlung von uns: unbedingt ihren Newsletter abonnieren! Nachfolgend findest du die ausführliche Fassung des Artikels inklusive aller wissenschaftlichen Referenzen.