Survey study, 2024
Does poor sleep quality cause menstrual problems and reduced egg supply in women of childbearing age?
Yes. Women with chronic insomnia had very high rates of PMS (74.5%) and irregular periods (78.4%). In women aged 36 to 40, insomnia lasting over one year was linked to reduced egg reserve (odds ratio 4.5).
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 102 women in China with chronic insomnia (June 2021 to March 2023). Researchers administered questionnaires about menstrual patterns, insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression. They measured anti-Müllerian hormone levels and counted follicles to assess egg reserve.
What they found
Among women with insomnia, 74.5% had PMS, 78.4% had hypomenorrhea (light or scanty periods), and 46.1% had dysmenorrhea (painful periods). Severe sleep disorder in the past month was an independent risk factor for PMS (odds ratio 2.688) and hypomenorrhea (odds ratio 2.64). The prevalence of diminished ovarian reserve was 33.3%, higher than previously reported for young women. Insomnia lasting over 1 year was an independent risk factor for diminished ovarian reserve in women aged 36 to 40 (odds ratio 4.5, p=0.033).
What it means for you
Long-term sleep problems appear linked to PMS, irregular periods, and reduced egg supply in women over 36. The study included only women already diagnosed with insomnia in China, so results may not apply to women with mild sleep problems or other populations. It measured egg reserve markers but did not follow women to see if conception was actually affected.
74.5%
Women with insomnia who had PMS
33.3%
Reduced egg reserve in women with insomnia
4.5
Odds ratio for insomnia over 1 year and reduced egg reserve (ages 36-40)
About the study
- Original title
- The impact of chronic insomnia disorder on menstruation and ovarian reserve in childbearing-age women: A cross-sectional study
- Authors
- Gong M, Gao Y, Wang Z et al.
- Journal
- Clinical and experimental reproductive medicine
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 102
- What was tested
- None. Observational study.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2023.06513
Topics
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