Research: Sleep Quality Declines During Late Menstrual Cycle

New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that sleep quality is most affected during the perimenstrual window, the days immediately preceding and during menstruation, when estrogen and progesterone levels fall sharply.

This hormonal decline can elevate body temperature, reduce serotonin and melatonin, and contribute to increased anger and nighttime awakenings. Lifestyle adjustments may help, and addressing underlying hormonal imbalances can restore more consistent and restorative sleep patterns.

The study, which tracked 51 women over two menstrual cycles, found that participants experienced increased wakefulness during the perimenstrual phase, staying awake an average of 8 to 16 minutes longer each night. Participants also reported feeling angrier and less happy, calm, and positive during this period, correlating sleep disturbances with mood changes.

These sleep disruptions are primarily driven by the rapid decrease in key hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This fluctuation impacts the body's temperature regulation and the neurotransmitters responsible for mood and sleep regulation.

Experts at AgeRejuvenation suggest that understanding these cyclical hormonal shifts is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage sleep and mood disturbances associated with the menstrual cycle.