How does your menstrual cycle impact your sleep

Women are more likely to experience poor sleep  than men, and one likely cause is hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle.

7 in 10 women say that their sleep changes just before their period.  The most common time for this is 3 to 6 days before having the period. Poorer sleep quality in the premenstrual phase and menstruation is common in women with premenstrual symptoms or painful menstrual cramps.

During this period women may feel that it is harder to get to sleep and stay asleep. We know that the amount of REM sleep (which is when we have most of our dreams) is less in this part of the menstrual cycle.  Hormonal changes at this time (e.g. sudden drops in progesterone) affect the body’s temperature control. Which in turn affects sleep quality.

One 2012 study found that women with severe PMS were around twice as likely to experience insomnia. Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), 66% experience sleep problems, 72% feel depressed and 84% feel tired. Are you sleeping badly because of anxiety and low mood, or is the low mood a product of sleeping badly? It is hard to say either way we should always try and do what is within our control and improve our sleep routine and hygiene.

If you are tracking your cycle it might also be worth keeping a sleep diary to work out your own patterns.

Here at The Female Curve, our programs take into account all aspects of female health and fitness, including rest & recovery.

Looking to take control of your hormones and improve your lifestyle? Sign up to the ‘Female Health 101’ Program today and with the help of your very own 1:1 Coach, rebalance your hormones with daily actionable insights and personalised guidance.

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