Survey study, 2022
Does the menstrual cycle affect how well women sleep?
Sleep quality may worsen for some women during the premenstrual phase, but not all women experience this. When doctors evaluate women's sleep, they should ask which part of the cycle the woman is in, because this matters.
What they did
This clinical review examined how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect sleep and circadian rhythms. It also highlighted special considerations for women with PCOS and recommendations for research studies.
What they found
Sleep and circadian rhythms are altered with hormonal changes. Sleep quality worsens in some women but not all when premenstrual symptoms emerge. Women with PCOS have increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing, which should be treated.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle affects sleep differently in different women. Doctors should consider menstrual cycle phase when evaluating a woman's sleep. This is a review article summarizing existing knowledge, not a new study with specific participants tested.
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrual Cycle Effects on Sleep
- Authors
- Baker FC, Lee KA
- Journal
- Sleep medicine clinics
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None; this is a review article
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.02.004
Topics
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