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Hormonal changes experienced by women from menarche through their reproductive lifespan significantly influence their emotional state, well-being, and sleep quality. The premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle: the last three days of one cycle and the first three days of the next – is associated with the most significant emotional changes. This includes heightened negative emotions, decreased positive emotions, reactivity, or rumination. However, research on these mechanisms based on gender and the menstrual cycle’s contribution remains insufficiently explored.
Researchers from the Houston Medical Center, along with colleagues from the University of Texas and the University of East Anglia, analyzed the connection between the menstrual cycle, sleep, and emotions among reproductive-age women.
About the Study
Scientists examined data from 51 healthy women aged 18 to 35, who had regular periods and were not taking hormonal contraceptives. Over two months, participants reported their emotional state daily and wore actiwatches tracking their sleep. Data were compared across four phases of the menstrual cycle: premenstrual, mid-follicular, periovulatory, and mid-luteal. The link between cycle phases, sleep, and emotions was evaluated using multistep hierarchical linear modeling.
How Menstrual Cycle Phases Impact Emotions and Sleep Quality
Researchers observed a clear connection between the menstrual cycle, sleep quality, and emotional state. Women experience sleep disturbances in the days preceding and during menstruation. The proportion of time spent in bed that is asleep lowered as well.
Women also reported heightened feelings of anger during the premenstrual period compared to other cycle phases. Conversely, positive emotions such as calmness, happiness, and enthusiasm decreased.
The findings underscore the importance of considering hormonal fluctuations when addressing sleep disorders and emotional distress in women.
Dr. Jo Bower, Co-author of the University of East Anglia’s School of Psychology
The authors note potential limitations, including the data being collected from May 2020 to January 2021 – during the COVID-19 pandemic. While researchers did not find a significant impact of pandemic stress on outcome variables, they do not completely rule out its influence.
Hormones and Sleep Quality
Natalya Silina, founder of the Women’s Health School, notes that sleep disorders and the menstrual cycle are interconnected, with hormones playing a key role. Sleep disturbances during the menopausal transition and afterward are also linked to hormonal changes. For more information on sleep and the menstrual cycle from the perspective of a gynecologist-endocrinologist, as well as tips for improving sleep quality, refer to Natalya Silina’s article.
