What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural stage of life that every woman experiences, marking the end of menstrual cycles. Right now, there are 15.5 million menopausal women in the UK and 1 billion globally. It’s officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period.
For most women, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can arrive earlier (in the 30s or early 40s) during perimenopause, or much later, even into the late 50s and early 60s.
Menopause isn’t a single moment – it’s a journey. Symptoms often begin years before periods stop and can continue for seven years on average. For some women, however, they may last up to 15 years.
The signs and symptoms of menopause
Menopause is linked to a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional changes. Some women experience only a few symptoms, while others face many. These are known as the 48 recognised signs of menopause, which include:
● Sleep issues and insomnia
● Night sweats and hot flushes
● Fatigue and low energy
● Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
● Brain fog and memory lapses
● Joint and muscle pain
● Headaches and migraines
● Changes to skin and hair (dryness, thinning, acne)
● Weight gain and bloating
● Loss of self-confidence
● Reduced sex drive
● Bladder weakness or recurrent UTIs
While every woman’s journey is unique, two of the most common – and most disruptive – symptoms are night sweats and sleep disruption.
Why menopause affects sleep
Sleep is one of the first areas to be disrupted during menopause. Hormonal changes can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to hot flushes and night sweats. These sudden changes often wake women multiple times during the night, making it difficult to fall back asleep.
Other symptoms, such as anxiety, muscle tension, or headaches, can further interrupt sleep. Over time, poor sleep can have a knock-on effect on energy, mood, concentration, and overall quality of life.
That’s why finding non-pharmaceutical, practical solutions to improve sleep during menopause is so important.
What is the MTick?
The MTick, developed by GenM, is the world’s first universal shopping symbol for menopause-friendly products, delivering visibility and choice to the menopausal consumer.
It was created to make life easier for women by empowering them to search, source, and shop products that have been tested, validated, and proven to support one or more of the 48 signs of menopause.
To be awarded the MTick, products must meet strict criteria, including:
● Scientific evidence that they address menopause-related symptoms.
● Independent testing to confirm performance.
● Safety and compliance checks.
● Positive customer reviews and satisfaction ratings.
The MTick is more than just a certification – it’s a mark of trust, credibility, and progress in improving women’s lived experiences.
Why Nectar mattresses are MTick certified
We are proud to announce that all Nectar mattresses – including the Memory Foam, Premier, Essential Hybrid, Premier Hybrid, Classic Plus, Hybrid Pro and Hybrid Luxe – have been officially accredited with the MTick.
Our mattresses earned this certification because they are designed with technologies that address menopause-related sleep issues, such as:
● Cooling comfort layers – breathable covers and foams help regulate body temperature.
● Ventilated foams and hybrid coil systems – improve airflow and reduce heat build-up.
● Pressure-relieving materials – support the body and ease restlessness through the night.
Independent testing shows Nectar mattresses deliver measurable improvements in airflow and surface cooling compared to standard mattresses. This means they can help reduce the discomfort of night sweats and overheating, supporting more stable, restorative sleep.
Making menopause-friendly sleep accessible
Nectar’s mission is to make better sleep available to everyone. That’s why our MTick-certified mattresses come in a wide range of models and price points, making them accessible to women across the UK.
From the affordable Nectar Memory Foam Mattress to the premium Nectar Premier Hybrid, there’s a mattress to suit every budget, sleep style, and personal preference.
Supporting women through every stage of menopause
Menopause can affect every aspect of life – from work and relationships to confidence and wellbeing. By receiving the MTick, Nectar mattresses are officially recognised as safe, effective, and accessible sleep solutions that help address two of the most disruptive symptoms: sleep problems and night sweats.
This World Menopause Day and throughout Menopause Awareness Month, Nectar is proud to stand with GenM in normalising menopause conversations, providing practical solutions, and supporting women everywhere to live their best menopause.
Because when women sleep better, life feels better.

