The Triad of Sleep Disturbance, Perimenopause, and Obesity: An Integrative Review of Current Evidence and Implications for Nursing Practice

Abstract

Perimenopause is an intermediary phase characterized by hormonal instability that can substantially impact women’s physical and psychological health. Sleep disturbances and weight gain are the most common and overlooked symptoms, both contribute to an elevated risk of chronic disease and obesity. Unfolding evidence shows that the declining levels of progesterone and estrogen interfere with sleep quality, changes metabolic regulation, and promote cortisol production to increase, causing a sequence of patterns that contributes to weight gain and adverse health outcomes. This article review examines current literature on the relationship between perimenopause, disturbance of sleep and obesity with focus on the physiological mechanisms linking these conditions and their effects on the health of women. The review also explores evidence-based management, modification of lifestyle, physical activity, nutritional strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, hormone therapy, and treatment options for pharmacologic. Implications for nursing practice are discussed, heightening the importance of early assessment, patient education, and individualized intervention plan, foster healthy weight management, improve sleep quality, and decrease the risk of long-term cardiometabolic complications. Increasing awareness of the interlinked nature sleep, hormonal changes, and obesity may improve the quality of clinical outcomes and support comprehensive treatment for women during the transition of menopausal.