Non-randomised trial, 2002
Does acetaminophen change body temperature and sleep in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
No. Acetaminophen had no effect on the raised body temperature or altered sleep that normally occur during the luteal phase. This suggests that painkillers that block prostaglandins are not the reason for these luteal phase changes.
What they did
A nonrandomized study where women were tested twice, during their follicular and luteal phases. In each phase, they received either acetaminophen or placebo and researchers measured body temperature, sleep patterns, and sleep quality.
What they found
In the luteal phase, body temperature was raised and nocturnal temperature amplitude was blunted compared to the follicular phase. Sleep also changed in the luteal phase: women had less REM sleep and more slow-wave sleep. Acetaminophen did not affect either temperature or sleep patterns in either phase.
What it means for you
Luteal phase changes in temperature and sleep are probably not caused by prostaglandins. This narrows down what might explain these changes. The study does not report how many women participated, which is a significant limitation.
About the study
- Original title
- Acetaminophen does not affect 24-h body temperature or sleep in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Baker FC, Driver HS, Paiker J et al.
- Journal
- Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Acetaminophen versus placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00919.2001
Topics
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