Review, 2018
How does the menstrual cycle affect sleep?
Sleep quality is worse during the premenstrual phase and during menstruation, especially if you have PMS or period pain. The week before your period also involves less REM sleep and changes in body temperature.
What they did
Review of research on how the menstrual cycle affects both how women report their sleep quality and objective sleep measurements.
What they found
Poorer sleep occurs in the premenstrual phase and during menstruation, particularly in women with PMS or painful cramps. Sleep spindle activity increases from follicular to luteal phase, possibly related to progesterone. The luteal phase also shows reduced REM sleep and blunted temperature rhythm amplitude. Short sleep duration is associated with irregular menstrual cycles.
What it means for you
Poor sleep before your period is likely part of PMS. Doctors should ask about menstrual symptoms when assessing sleep problems. Better sleep may help regulate menstrual cycles.
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual Cycle Effects on Sleep
- Authors
- Baker FC, Lee KA
- Journal
- Sleep medicine clinics
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2018.04.002
Topics
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