Survey study, 2010
Does the menstrual cycle affect sleep quality in women with sleep problems?
Yes. Women with irregular periods were 2.1 times more likely to report trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, but this study only included women who already had sleep complaints.
What they did
931 women who came to a sleep clinic filled out questionnaires about their sleep and menstrual history, then had sleep recordings overnight to measure sleep objectively.
What they found
Women with irregular periods were 2.1 times more likely to report sleep difficulties including trouble falling asleep and insomnia, with more light sleep and more frequent awakenings. Women on hormonal birth control had less snoring. Menopausal women with hot flushes had more restless leg complaints. Awake time was shorter in women using hormone therapy.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle and hormonal status affect sleep quality in women, but this study only included women already experiencing sleep problems, so findings may not apply to women who sleep well.
931
women studied
2.1
times more likely: irregular cycle and sleep trouble
About the study
- Original title
- Does the reproductive cycle influence sleep patterns in women with sleep complaints?
- Authors
- Hachul H, Andersen ML, Bittencourt LR et al.
- Journal
- Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 931
- What was tested
- Observation of sleep patterns in different menstrual and menopausal states
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/13697130903450147
Topics
Related studies
Lab study, 2023
Does sleep change across the menstrual cycle?
Cohort study, 2003
How does the menstrual cycle affect women's sleep?
Survey study, 2019
Can birth control pills treat PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2001
Do changing reproductive hormones disrupt the body's internal clock and cause mood disorders?
Systematic review, 2025
Do drugs that stop ovulation help women with PMS?
Study, 2022
Which premenstrual symptoms change with the menstrual cycle in midlife women?