Sleep and Menstrual Cycle
Original Editor - Ananya Bunglae Sudindar
Top Contributors - Ananya Bunglae Sudindar and Carina Therese Magtibay
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Sleep is an important human function. It plays a vital role in ensuring physical and mental well-being of a person. Beyond just providing rest, quality sleep is associated to the health of various body systems such as, cardiovascular health, renal function, immunity, and hormonal balance. [1][2]
In people who menstruate, it has been established that sleep and hormones have an intricate relationship. Hormonal fluctuations seen in the various phases of the menstrual cycle affect sleep and circadian rhythms. Additionally, it has also been well documented that poor sleep quality can disrupt hormonal health and correlate with menstrual disturbances. [3][4]
Menstrual Cycle Phases and Sleep[edit | edit source]
People who menstruate experience hormonal variations throughout their menstrual cycles. Based on these hormonal fluctuations the menstrual cycle is divided into the following phases:
- Menstrual phase
- Follicular phase
- Ovulation phase
- Luteal phase
In addition to reproductive functions, these hormonal variations throughout the cycles affect other body functions including sleep functions. [5] It is established that the menstrual cycle affects both sleep duration as well as sleep architecture. [6]
Influencing factors of sleep during the menstrual cycle[edit | edit source]
- Hormonal fluctuations: Fluctuations of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle affects sleep. Increase in progesterone levels seen in the luteal phase result in the increase of body temperature making it difficult to fall asleep comfortably. Progesterone also impacts neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which are crucial for regulating sleep and sleep quality.
- Pain and discomfort: Menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, headaches and general discomfort often seen in the menstrual phase and late luteal phase can impact the quality of sleep. This can result in difficulty falling asleep as well as disturbed sleep.
- Psychological and emotional factors: Stress, anxiety and mood fluctuations is often seen throughout the menstrual cycle which can impact sleep quality and lead to sleep disturbances. Increase in stress can lead to difficulty in falling asleep and maintaining sleep.
- In addition to the above factors, individualistic factors such as age, lifestyle diet, genetic factors and activity levels also influence sleep in people who menstruate.
Sleep disturbances in different phases of the menstrual cycle[edit | edit source]
Management of Sleep Disturbances During Menstruation[edit | edit source]
Menstrual Disorders and Sleep[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Beroukhim G, Esencan E, Seifer DB. Impact of sleep patterns upon female neuroendocrinology and reproductive outcomes: a comprehensive review. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2022 Jan 18;20(1):16.
- ↑ Baranwal N, Phoebe KY, Siegel NS. Sleep physiology, pathophysiology, and sleep hygiene. Progress in cardiovascular diseases. 2023 Mar 1;77:59-69.
- ↑ Baker FC, Lee KA. Menstrual cycle effects on sleep. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2022 Jun 1;17(2):283-94.
- ↑ Masuda H, Okada S. Menstruation-related symptoms are associated with physical activity and midpoint of sleep: a pilot study. Frontiers in Global Women's Health. 2023;4.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Baker FC, Lee KA. Menstrual cycle effects on sleep. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2022 Jun 1;17(2):283-94.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Rugvedh P, Gundreddy P, Wandile B. The Menstrual Cycle’s Influence on Sleep Duration and Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus. 2023 Oct 18;15(10).
