How do menstrual hormones affect sleep?

Starting from menarche, the onset of the first menstrual period, until menopause, which marks the end of re­pro­duc­tive capabilities, women undergo monthly fluctuations in hor­mones responsible for reproductive regulation. These hor­mones extend their impact beyond direct reproductive func­tions, exerting influences on mood regulation, body temperature, respiration, the autonomic nervous sys­tem, and sleep. Abnormal menstrual symptoms are frequently reported by young women and, concurrently, sleep distur­bances carry broad implications for the health, be­ha­vior and academic performance of individuals, en­com­pas­sing both those generally healthy and those with un­der­lying medical conditions. In contrast to men, women frequently report more sleep disorders and exhibit a higher sus­cep­tibility to insomnia. Premenstrual syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) disrupt the hormonal balance and are known to alter sleep patterns. Women experiencing sig­ni­fi­cant emotional premenstrual symptoms tend to be sleepier during the late luteal phase compared to those with mi­ni­mal symptoms. PCOS is known to be the most common hor­mo­nal disorder in women of reproductive age. However, sleep hygiene is not frequently included in the treatment recommendations of these patients.

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