Survey study, 2023
Did COVID-19 lockdown change menstrual cycle length and sleep?
Yes, lockdown was linked to changes in menstrual cycle length for most women, and these changes reversed when lockdown ended. Sleep duration increased during lockdown but was not linked to menstrual cycle changes.
What they did
97 women in their fertile years in Israel tracked their menstrual cycles and sleep using a fertility tracking device. Data were collected before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown.
What they found
Lockdown was linked to changes in menstrual cycle length in most women, with either increased or decreased length. These changes reversed when lockdown ended. Sleep duration increased during lockdown. No relationship was found between sleep changes and menstrual cycle changes.
What it means for you
Stress from lockdown appears to have affected menstrual cycle timing, but it is not clear why some women's cycles became longer and others shorter. The findings are limited to one country and women who used fertility tracking devices.
97
women tracked their cycles
About the study
- Original title
- Changes in menstrual cycle length and in sleep-wake behaviors during COVID-19 related lockdown in Israel
- Authors
- Lan A, Ron T, Stukalin Y et al.
- Journal
- Health care for women international
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 97
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2023.2183206
Topics
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