Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS is a group of signs and symptoms that women experience before or during their menstrual period. It includes breast tenderness, fatigue, food cravings, mood swings, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and cramps. “PMS directly affects your hormones and sleep patterns, which can lead to insomnia,” explains obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Padma Srivastava.
Women with severe PMS symptoms, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), may experience sleep problems, according to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders.
Body temperature changes
Sleep and body temperature are directly related. When you sleep, your body temperature drops significantly at night, helping your body relax and sleep well and deeply. However, during the menstrual cycle, a woman's body temperature fluctuates constantly due to hormonal changes. Some women even experience fever during their menstrual cycle, and changes in body temperature during or before menstruation can cause sleep problems.
Hormonal imbalance
Insomnia that occurs at least a week before your period and goes away shortly after your period can also be due to hormonal changes in your body. "A decline in key hormones like estrogen and progesterone causes difficulty sleeping," says Dr. Srivastava. "These hormonal changes increase body temperature and anxiety, leading to sleep disturbances."
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. If you have this condition, you may not have periods, and along with irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS can lead to excess androgen levels and cysts.
According to a study published in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep, women with PCOS often experience sleep disorders, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, PCOS increases women’s feelings of anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate insomnia.
