{"id":250191,"date":"2021-08-30T17:43:39","date_gmt":"2021-08-30T21:43:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=250191"},"modified":"2025-03-04T13:17:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T18:17:42","slug":"the-menstrual-cycle-and-sleep","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/250191\/the-menstrual-cycle-and-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"How the menstrual cycle impacts your sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Bonnie Azoulay, contributing writer <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever felt more tired a few days before or during your period? Well, that\u2019s no coincidence. According to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation<\/a>, 30% of women reported disturbed sleep during their period, while 23% reported disturbed sleep the week before their period. Read on for more information about the menstrual cycle and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The menstrual cycle and sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In general, women experience more insomnia than men because of hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle. The two major female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, shift up and down during the menstrual cycle, which can impact your sleep patterns. According to Yale Medicine<\/a>\u2019s Jennifer Chen, progesterone has a mildly sedative effect while estrogen has been shown to stimulate the brain and cause insomnia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to lack of sleep, you may find yourself feeling drowsy during the day and tired during your period. Still, experts don\u2019t know why some women experience more severe PMS symptoms \u2014 like insomnia \u2014 than others. One reason, The Sleep Foundation suggests, is because some women may react to hormonal changes differently. Plus, if women also have a serotonin, magnesium, or calcium deficiency, then their sleep disturbance can become worse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about your relationship with sleep during the menstrual cycle, read below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The menstrual cycle and sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are four different phases during the menstruation cycle that might affect your sleep in various ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Menstrual Phase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Right before you bleed and when your period starts, your estrogen and progesterone levels will drop. The decrease of these hormones can make it harder for you to fall asleep. As your period starts, progesterone levels will increase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follicular Phase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This phase occurs between the first day of your period and ovulation. Your estrogen levels will rise during the follicular phase, which helps to set off ovulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ovulation Phase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A <\/strong>surge in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels will occur. The egg will pass through the fallopian tube and towards the uterus. Unless it meets a sperm during this time, the egg will typically last 24 hours. Estrogen levels decrease while progesterone levels increase. At this point, your sleep pattern will likely get back on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luteal Phase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The follicle will produce hormones and release an egg to prepare you for a possible pregnancy. At this time, progesterone levels will peak and can regulate your sleep patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body temperature\u2019s effect on sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hormonal shifts will change your body temperature and can disturb your sleep, too. According to the University of Michigan Health,<\/a> your body temperature dips right before your ovary releases an egg. About 24 hours after the egg\u2019s release, progesterone increases and your temperature rises for several days. Think of it like this: When your body is too hot or too cold, you have trouble falling asleep. This can result in more tossing and turning throughout the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catching more Zzzs during your cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Looking to get more sleep? Here are a few ideas! <\/p>\n\n\n\n