New research indicates that women report significant sleep disturbances and increased feelings of irritability in the days leading up to their menstruation. This study brings to light the intricate connections between menstrual cycles, emotions, and sleep patterns in women.
Dr Jo Bower, a distinguished co-author of this study from the University of East Anglia’s School of Psychology, has played a pivotal role in shedding light on the complex relationship between menstrual cycles, emotions, and sleep. Her insights underscore the profound impact of hormonal changes on women’s health and well-being, emphasizing the necessity of tailoring healthcare to address women’s sleep health and emotional needs.
The study involved a cohort of 51 healthy women aged 18 to 35, all of whom had regular menstrual cycles and were not using hormonal birth control. The research team employed ecological momentary assessment (EMA), a method that allowed participants to provide daily reports on their sleep quality and emotional states. In addition, the participants wore sleep/wake tracking watches to monitor their sleep patterns over two menstrual cycles, providing a comprehensive view of their sleep health.
Findings from the study revealed significant links between the phases of the menstrual cycle, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. Notably, women experienced more sleep disruptions during the days leading up to and during menstruation (the peri-menstrual phase), characterized by increased time awake at night and decreased sleep efficiency. Additionally, during this phase, women reported heightened anger. They reduced positive emotions such as calmness, happiness, and enthusiasm, suggesting a potential influence of menstrual cycles on susceptibility to insomnia and mental health issues.
Dr. Bower further stresses the importance of acknowledging hormonal fluctuations when treating sleep disorders and emotional distress in women. The study’s implications extend beyond academic settings, offering potential strategies for improving women’s sleep quality and emotional resilience.
However, the researchers acknowledge certain limitations to their study. Data collection occurred between May 2020 and January 2021, making it challenging to fully assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the findings. While pandemic-related stress did not appear to alter the results significantly, its overall effect on participants’ emotional states and sleep patterns remains uncertain.
Overall, this study underscores the significance of considering menstrual cycles in addressing sleep disturbances and emotional well-being in women, contributing valuable knowledge towards enhancing global health outcomes.
More information: Jessica M. Meers et al, Interaction of sleep and emotion across the menstrual cycle, Journal of Sleep Research. DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14185
Journal information: Journal of Sleep Research Provided by University of East Anglia
