When your body is preparing for the time of the month, you might be experiencing one more symptom that is not talked about enough: insomnia. Yes, some factors might result in period insomnia, which is not exactly something we enjoy. According to studies, our sleep schedules become worse prior to periods, and it gets increasingly difficult to fall asleep. So, what is the deal with insomnia before the period?
In this blog, we will talk about the lack of sleep and the menstrual cycle. Keep reading to know more about the phenomenon!
Defining Period Insomnia
The sleep problems that occur before or during the period are known as period insomnia. The affected individual may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. The symptoms you notice before the period arrives are named Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS. Although the cause remains unclear, hormone fluctuations are most likely the reason.
Other than sleep troubles, you may notice the following PMS symptoms:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
- Craving certain foods
- Problems concentrating
- Bloating
- Migraines
PMS symptoms occur when you enter the luteal phase, and some women even experience hypersomnia instead of insomnia —- which means they sleep too much.
Why Do I Have Insomnia Before My Period?
Below, you’ll find some possible reasons why you may be going through insomnia before or during periods:
- Hormones: When our periods are near, our hormones are scattered all over the place, which might contribute to sleep issues. The progesterone levels increase before periods, while the allopregnanolone drops. This may cause anxiety and increased body temperature, which causes difficulty falling asleep.
- Anxiety: It is not uncommon for anxiety and insomnia to occur before your period. The irritability and anxiety could be responsible for your sleep issues as well. As a result, you may be unable to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- Pain: With periods, pain is not far behind. Many times, the discomfort begins before the period. Therefore, migraines, tender breasts, bloating, body aches, and cramps are not something new, but they may affect your sleep quality. Moreover, sleep deprivation might increase pain, causing you to lose more sleep.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Many people suffer from PCOS, a condition in which your body produces more than the usual amount of male sex hormones, causing you to have higher testosterone levels. This may affect your sleep schedule before sleep.
Tips to Improve Insomnia Before Periods
You should always talk to an expert healthcare provider if you notice insomnia before or during your period. In the meantime, you can opt for the following to improve your condition:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- After you wake up, try to receive at least 10 minutes of bright natural light to reset your circadian rhythm.
- Refrain from bright light when your bedtime is approaching.
- Stay in a quiet, dark, and cool bedroom.
- Address your anxiety and work on activities to improve.
- Give light therapy a try.
- Consult your doctor for supplements and medications.
What to Do?
You will experience many symptoms near your periods, and insomnia is one of the issues many people complain about. Talk to a specialist to determine the underlying cause, and work on the treatment to improve your condition. At Sleep & Headache Solutions, our team can help you improve your sleep hygiene and get rid of sleep disorders. Dial (832) 688-8886 to get started today, or visit us at 13114 FM 1960 West, Ste 105B Houston, TX 77065.