Insomnia During Climacteric: an Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Climacteric is a stage in women's lives in which occurs the passage from reproductive period to non-reproductive, marked by menopause. This phase can be seen as something natural, free of complaints. However, some women complain with climacteric symptoms, especially with disorders that affect sleep. Objective: Identifying the factors related to insomnia during climacteric, based on the analysis of scientific production. Method: The method of integrative literature review was requested, using descriptors insomnia, climacteric, menopause; the databases consulted were PubMed, LILACS and SciELo, from 2004 to May 2014. The results were obtained by selecting 10 articles, by means careful reading, critical and reflective of the texts, followed by the organization of synoptic charts from the data obtained. Results: The evidence were gathered and synthesized, pointing to a set of physiological changes that can affect the quality of sleep during climacteric, including vasomotor symptoms, psychogenic, hormonal changes and menopause transition. Conclusions: The methodological designs of the studies analyzed were strong evidence for evidence-based practice. However, the data can be questioned, once the insomnia was self-reported. Therefore it needs that research be conducted approaching insomnia, with assessment by examinations which allow accuracy of the findings, such as polysomnography.