Survey study, 2004
Does sleep quality change at different times of the menstrual cycle?
Yes, sleep quality feels worse during the 3 days before your period and the 4 days of menstruation. However, the total amount of sleep and how long it takes to fall asleep do not change across the cycle.
What they did
26 healthy young women (average age 21) with regular periods filled out daily questionnaires about their sleep for 1 month.
What they found
Women reported lower sleep quality during the 3 premenstrual days and 4 days of menstruation compared to other times. Total sleep time, time to fall asleep, number of awakenings, duration of awakenings, and morning alertness were not affected by the menstrual cycle.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle affects how good your sleep feels but not how much you actually sleep. The study was small and only included young, healthy women with no period disorders, so results may not apply to all women.
26
women in study
3
premenstrual days with lower sleep quality
4
menstrual days with lower sleep quality
About the study
- Original title
- Self-reported sleep across the menstrual cycle in young, healthy women
- Authors
- Baker FC, Driver HS
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic research
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None (observation only)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3999(03)00067-9
Topics
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