Can't fall asleep before your period, constantly waking up at night, and then lacking energy during the day? The relationship between the menstrual cycle and sleep patterns certainly deserves more attention. Read the article to find out how the menstrual cycle and its hormonal changes can affect your sleep, both positively and negatively.
Menstrual cycle and sleep
Sleep is an essential function of the human body. It plays a crucial role in ensuring a person's physical and mental well-being, and is also linked to the proper functioning of various bodily systems, including cardiovascular health, immune function, and hormonal balance. (1)
Sleep and the menstrual cycle are interconnected – not only can sleep affect our cycle, but the cycle itself impacts sleep quality. (2) Because sleep is essential for overall health, its lack or low quality can directly or indirectly contribute to a worse menstrual experience and more intense symptoms. Fluctuating hormone levels throughout the month also affect our sleep patterns.
Based on these hormonal changes that the female body goes through, we can divide the menstrual cycle into four phases:
- menstrual,
- follicular,
- ovulatory,
- luteal.
Let's look at how our sleep can change throughout the monthly cycle. You might notice the biggest differences during the follicular phase, luteal phase, and during menstruation.
Menstrual phase
The first days of bleeding are here. Hormone levels are at their lowest. Especially in the first days of menstruation, you might feel more tired than usual, and your sleep might be affected. This can be influenced by specific symptoms that women often experience during menstruation, such as menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding or general discomfort. (3) All of this can lead to difficulty falling asleep and more frequent waking during the night.
Follicular phase
Bleeding has stopped. Estrogen levels rise, which can give you energy during the day. Estrogen also helps regulate body temperature, which has a positive effect on sleep quality and quantity. During the follicular phase, sleep patterns are usually stable. (4)
Luteal phase
During the transition from the follicular phase to the first half of the luteal phase, progesterone levels rise after ovulation. As progesterone levels reach their peak, body temperature rises significantly with it, which can make it harder to fall asleep and impact sleep quality. Increased progesterone levels can also affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which are essential for sleep regulation. Changes in these neurotransmitter levels can hinder uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. (5)
Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) usually observe more significant sleep pattern disturbances than women without either of these conditions. (6)
Tips for better sleep
Support a calm cycle without unwanted symptoms and treat yourself to quality and sufficient sleep (and not only that). Our Premenstrual Complex is designed specifically for the period preceding menstruation. It supports normal hormone production and helps alleviate mood and energy swings and other typical PMS symptoms, including sleep pattern disturbances in the luteal phase.
If you want to give your body a well-deserved rest, our Ashwagandha in combination with magnesium will come in handy. Together, they promote relaxation, contribute to deeper nighttime sleep, support cognitive functions, and energy or sports performance during the day.
Last but not least, for your sleep, it is essential that you feel comfortable all night long. Say goodbye to the stress of leaks or skin irritation in intimate areas. Femvie tampons and pads made from certified organic cotton are perfectly breathable, comfortable, and most importantly, reliable day and night. By not containing synthetic fibers, being unscented, and not chlorine-bleached, they are also suitable for the most sensitive skin.
What else to read on Femspace?
- Why is menstruation more painful and PMS worse in winter?
- Spotting and bleeding outside of menstruation
- PMS: 5 signs your period is coming soon
- 7 surprising ways the body changes during the cycle
- How to start tracking your menstrual cycle?
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With love,
The Femvie Team
Femvie products that can help you
We have selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Organic pads — certified organic pads without chemicals
- 🌿 Organic tampons — organic tampons made from certified organic cotton
- 🌿 Ultra-thin organic panty liners — discreet protection for every day
- 📦 Carefree subscription — your organic menstrual products automatically every month
- 🎁 Trial pack — try Femvie organic menstrual products
Frequently Asked Questions
What are organic menstrual products?
Organic menstrual products are made from certified organic cotton without pesticides, plastics, or bleaching chemicals. GOTS certification guarantees eco-friendly processing from field to product.
Are organic tampons safer than conventional ones?
Yes. Conventional tampons may contain trace amounts of pesticides and synthetic fibers. Femvie organic tampons are certified, hypoallergenic, and gentler on intimate areas.
How does the Femvie subscription work?
With the Carefree subscription, you set the delivery frequency, and your favorite organic products arrive automatically. You save time and never run out of menstrual products.
