Click here to watch video on how to get a restful night's sleep.

NEW YORK, May 16, 2006/ MF/ --- It’s National Women’s Health Week, and studies at the Mayo Clinic show that insomnia affects up to 50 percent more women than men.

Sleep disruptions can be caused by a variety of things, depending on a woman’s age or stage of life. Hormonal fluctuations due to monthly menstrual cycles, pregnancy and the menopausal transition can all affect the body’s sleep patterns.

External factors like work related stress or family issues can also play a role in keeping women up at night.

Regardless of the cause, recent reports by the National Institutes of Health and the Institute of Medicine reinforce the fact that a good night’s sleep can play a part in physical and mental health and next-day functioning.

Experts recommend avoiding caffeine late at night and only participating in relaxing activities, like taking a warm bath, before bedtime to help promote sleep.

If those tips don’t do the trick and you’re still experiencing difficulty with sleep, there are other options available. Experts recommend that women take action to address their insomnia, and find the solution that works best for them.