According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, 23% of menstruating people experience repeated insomnia before but also during their period. Explanations.
Most women experience more or less intense pre-menstrual syndromes in the days preceding the bleeding. They can be manifested by violent headaches, stomach pains, motivation and low morale. They can also take the form of repetitive insomnia which sometimes lasts during the bleeding period. Those are menstrual insomnia and, according to this study of the National Sleep Foundationthey would affect nearly one in four women (23% of those questioned).
How to explain this phenomenon ? First of all, the researchers point to the fact that the hormonal drop which occurs during the “luteal phase” of the cycle (just before menstruation) would be the cause of these sleep disorders. Melatonin, a hormone responsible in particular for regulating sleep, is less secreted, for example. Also, this hormonal drop has a direct impact on the body temperature. However, if your temperature rises or falls drastically, it is very likely that you will have difficulty falling asleep.
Anxiety caused by periods has a strong impact on sleep
At last, anxiety that can be triggered by the onset of menstruation is an important factor in sleep disorders since the pain or the fear that it will happen prevents you from living well during this period. For people who are on the mend or for those who aren’t sure when they’re going to have them, pre-period anxiety can be high. Especially since for some, this anxiety is accompanied by real physical pain: the pre-menstrual syndrome.
How to alleviate menstrual insomnia?
To try to alleviate menstrual insomnia, there are several solutions. You can try to regulate your sleep as much as possible by going to bed at a fixed time, before midnight. For this, it is advisable to go to bed as soon as you begin to feel a sign of fatigue. Taking time away from screens and blue lights as well as exciting foods such as sugar can also help you sleep better. Finally, some drinks can help you fall asleep, and some homeopathic treatments limiting nocturnal awakenings too. Finally, menstrual insomnia persists and worsens, talk to your doctor.