---
title: Are sleep problems linked to PMS symptoms and menstrual problems?
description: Yes, strongly. Women with sleep problems were almost 4 times more likely to have PMS and more than 7 times more likely to have menstrual bleeding problems. Ho
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/perceived-menstrual-irregularities-and-premenstrual-syndrome-in-relation-to-2025/
---

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- Are sleep problems linked to PMS symptoms and menstrual problems?

Cohort study, 2025

# Are sleep problems linked to PMS symptoms and menstrual problems?

Yes, strongly. Women with sleep problems were almost 4 times more likely to have PMS and more than 7 times more likely to have menstrual bleeding problems. However, this was a cross-sectional study so we do not know if sleep problems cause PMS or if PMS causes sleep problems.

 Early or limited evidence

72 female graduate nursing students

## What they did

Cross-sectional online survey of 72 female nursing students. They answered questionnaires about sleep problems using the Athens Insomnia Scale, PMS symptoms, menstrual regularity, and menstrual bleeding problems. Researchers used statistical analysis to look for associations.

## What they found

70% had PMS symptoms. 19.5% had irregular periods. 86.5% reported menstrual bleeding problems. The average insomnia score was 10.1. Women with insomnia were 3.93 times more likely to have PMS (95% confidence interval 1.14-13.59). Women with insomnia were 7.56 times more likely to have menstrual bleeding problems (95% confidence interval 1.51-37.97). Each point increase in insomnia score increased risk of irregular periods by 24%.

## What it means for you

Poor sleep seems strongly linked to PMS and menstrual problems. However, this is a cross-sectional study so we do not know which comes first. It is only nursing students, so results may not apply to all women. The study suggests improving sleep might help, but controlled trials would be needed to confirm this.

72

women studied

3.93

times more likely to have PMS with insomnia

7.56

times more likely to have menstrual bleeding problems with insomnia

## About the study

Original title Perceived Menstrual Irregularities and Premenstrual Syndrome in Relation to Insomnia: Evidence from a Cohort of Student Nurses Authors Dimlievych A, Dębska G, Grzesik-Gąsior J et al. Journal Journal of clinical medicine Year 2025 Study design Cohort study Participants 72 What was tested None (observational study) Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217470](https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217470) Original abstract

Background/Objectives : Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, are increasingly recognized as key determinants of mental health. Disturbances in sleep architecture may exacerbate hormonal dysregulation, contributing to menstrual cycle irregularities and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study investigate the relationship between insomnia symptoms, menstrual problems, and PMS among nursing students. Methods : The cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey (CAWI) among 72 female graduate nursing students. The questionnaire included questions about menstrual history, the presence of menstrual disorders, PMS symptoms, and lifestyle and body mass index (BMI). Insomnia was assessed using the Polish version of the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), taking ≥8 as the cutoff point. Logistic regression analysis with confounding variables was performed. Results : 70% of participants had PMS symptoms, 19.5% had irregular menstrual cycles, and 86.5% reported problems with menstrual bleeding. The mean AIS score was 10.1 (SD = 4.05). Women with insomnia were almost 4 times more likely to experience PMS symptoms (OR = 3.93; 95% CI 1.14-13.59), more than 7 times more likely to experience bleeding problems (OR = 7.56; 95% CI: 1.51-37.97), and each additional AIS score increased the risk of cycle irregularity by 24% (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.50). Conclusions : The findings indicate a significant association between insomnia symptoms, menstrual disturbances, and PMS, underscoring the complex links between sleep, reproductive, and mental health. Preventive interventions, particularly sleep hygiene education, may serve as an effective strategy to support women's overall health and well-being.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/)

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