Survey study, 2014
Does painful periods affect sleep?
Yes. Women with painful periods had worse sleep quality, took longer to fall asleep, and woke more frequently during the night. Sleep quality was best around the time of ovulation.
What they did
89 young women completed daily sleep surveys for 5 weeks. On the second day of their period, they answered questions about how severe their period pain was and whether it interfered with daily activities.
What they found
Women who had insomnia reported more severe period pain and greater interference with daily life. Compared to women with mild period pain, those with severe pain took longer to fall asleep and had lower sleep quality. Sleep was at its best around the time of ovulation.
What it means for you
Period pain and sleep problems are related, though we don't know if treating one would improve the other. The women studied were young (18 to 24), so these findings may not apply to all ages.
89
women in study
18-24
age range
5 weeks
duration of daily surveys
About the study
- Original title
- Dysmenorrhea, the menstrual cycle, and sleep
- Authors
- Woosley JA, Lichstein KL
- Journal
- Behavioral medicine (Washington, D.C.)
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 89
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/08964289.2013.829020
Topics
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