Marieke (46) holds a demanding role as the headteacher of a secondary school. The dynamic nature of her profession captivated her and kept her engaged. Despite the fast-paced environment, her job brought her immense satisfaction. That is, until she unexpectedly began experiencing sleep difficulties. “My sleepless nights started to take their toll at work. I began making careless mistakes and found myself becoming more irritable with both colleagues and students.”
I realised that my body had different needs during menopause and that I needed to adapt my diet accordingly.
Having never struggled with sleep before, Marieke noticed over the past six months that something had shifted. It began with waking up more frequently during the night, but soon she found herself tossing and turning for hours. “No matter how tired I was, every night became a battle to fall asleep. When the alarm went off, I often felt even more exhausted than when I went to bed,” she admits openly.
The fatigue began to impact her work. “I made mistakes I would never normally make and became more short-tempered with colleagues and students. I didn’t recognise myself anymore and knew I had to take action. In my role, it’s essential to not only stay sharp but also to be understanding and compassionate.”
In an effort to reclaim her sleep, the headteacher began searching for solutions: “I tried everything—soothing teas, a warm bath, avoiding screens before bed. I even started meditating, but nothing seemed to work.”
Although she now enjoys meditating daily, it didn’t resolve her sleep issues. “I was genuinely worried about the impact all those sleepless nights were having on my health. I found myself trapped in a vicious cycle: I dreaded going to bed because I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Then I’d start overthinking, and falling asleep became an ordeal.”
That was until a friend suggested she consult a menopause specialist. Somewhat sceptical, she decided to book an appointment. “During the initial consultation, it all made sense: it was menopause. I had assumed I wouldn’t notice any symptoms until I was over 50, so I hadn’t made the connection myself. Plus, I was still having regular periods, so menopause wasn’t even on my radar.”
The specialist’s advice? It began with addressing her diet. “First, we focused on improving my digestion because, as she explained, that can have a direct impact on sleep. I’d been dealing with digestive issues for a few years but hadn’t paid much attention to them.”
Of course, there are still moments when things aren’t perfect, but now I know what steps I can take to manage them.
“She also explained that my adrenal glands play an increasingly significant role during menopause and taught me how to support them properly,” Marieke continues. “She recommended specific supplements, which I’ve been taking daily for about five months now. I’m already seeing the benefits.”
What changes has she noticed since making these adjustments? “I can tell that my digestion has improved, and I feel physically stronger as well. But the most important thing is that I’m sleeping so much better now. It started with occasionally sleeping through the night, and that gradually became more consistent. I feel so much better, like I’ve rediscovered myself.”
Perhaps you recognise some of the symptoms in this story. Are you wondering if you might be experiencing menopause as well? The menopause test could provide you with some initial answers.
