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Study, 2016

How does sleep relate to PMS and PMDD?

The menstrual cycle affects how women sleep. Women with PMDD respond less to melatonin before their period, and sleep restriction can temporarily improve mood symptoms.

Early or limited evidence Review article, discusses women in general with focus on PMDD

What they did

This is a review of research on how the menstrual cycle affects sleep and how sleep relates to PMDD symptoms.

What they found

The menstrual phase of the cycle affects stage 2 and dream sleep in women. Women with PMDD have a decreased response to melatonin during the luteal phase (before the period) compared to the follicular phase (after the period starts). Sleep deprivation or sleep restriction in the early or late part of the night improved mood symptoms in PMDD.

What it means for you

Sleep is connected to PMDD through both hormone changes and brain chemistry. Poor sleep before your period may be part of PMDD rather than a separate problem. Temporarily limiting sleep can improve mood, though this is not practical as a long-term treatment. This is a review of existing research, not a new study.

About the study

Original title
Sleep and Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors
Jehan S, Auguste E, Hussain M et al.
Journal
Journal of sleep medicine and disorders
Year
2016
Study design
Study
Participants
2
What was tested
No intervention - review of research on sleep, melatonin, and menstrual cycle
Open access
Yes

Topics