Isoflavones Decrease Postmenopausal Insomnia

The insomnia that often plagues postmenopausal women can be alleviated with isoflavones, ac - cording to results of a new study (Hachul H, et al. Menopause. 2011;18:178-184). In this controlled, double-blind study, investigators examined changes in sleep parameters in postmenopausal women with insomnia before and after treatment with isoflavones.

Isoflavones are found in abundance in soybeans and soy products and to a lesser degree in some other plants; isoflavones are naturally occurring phytohormones (or estrogen-like plant hormones) that have been shown in previous research to produce estrogenlike health benefits in women.

In this new study, 38 postmenopausal women with insomnia received either 80 mg of isoflavones daily or a placebo for a period of 4 months. Sleep parameters were measured through questionnaires and with polysomnography.

Polysomnography revealed a significant improvement in overall sleep parameters in the women receiving isoflavones—from 77.9% to 83.9% compared with from 77.6% to 81.2% for those receiving placebo. The reduction in moderate or intense insomnia was also significant in those receiving isoflavones—from 89.5% to 36.9% compared with from 94.7% to 63.2% for those receiving placebo.

Another significant finding was the re duction in the intensity and frequency of hot flashes in those taking isoflavones.

Isoflavones are available in many forms of supplementations in addition to food products.