In short
women havemore insomnia that men, and the causes are closely linked to thehormonal changesof each stage: premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy and, above all, menopause. Certain disorders such as restless legs syndrome are also more common in them. Recognizing this relationship allows for a specific and effective approach.
Women's rest has its own rules
Women's sleep is modulated byhormones(estrogens and progesterone) throughout their entire life cycle. Its fluctuations—in each menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and in the transition to menopause—influence the ease of falling asleep, the quality of sleep, and the occurrence of awakenings.
That is why many women notice that they sleep differently depending on the moment: worse in the days before their period, with difficulties in the third trimonthter of pregnancy or with awakenings and hot flashes during menopause. Additionally, some sleep disorders, such asrestless legs syndrome, are more common in them and can appear or worsen during pregnancy.
It is not something you have to resign yourself to: understanding what influences each stage allows for tailored treatment.
Menstrual cycle and sleep
Hormonal variations in the menstrual cycle have consequences on sleep. Two phases are distinguished:
- Follicular phase(days 1–13 of the cycle, from the end of menstruation to the beginning of ovulation): at the end there is a large increase in estrogen secretion.
- luteal phase(days 14–28 of the cycle, from ovulation to menstruation): estrogens increase, but mainly theprogesterone. This hormone fragments sleep, increases daytime and nighttime body temperature and produces daytime sleepiness.
In the days before menstruation, a decrease in the proportion of REM sleep and daydreams is observed; Many women notice difficulty falling and staying asleep, although it generally does not have a significant impact during the day.
When sleep gets worse before your period
Some women suffer these alterations exclusively or mainly in the area of sleep. During the3–6 days before menstruationproblems falling asleep, frequent awakenings, nightmares, tiredness and daytime sleepiness may appear; These difficulties disappear completely with menstruation.
In addition, the quality and quantity of sleep are affected by menstrual pain or blood loss, which can lower iron levels and predispose torestless legs syndrome.
Sleep during pregnancy
Approximatelytwo out of three pregnant womenThere is some sleep problem, which increases as pregnancy progresses due to hormonal and physical changes.
First quarter:Drowsiness and less deep sleep with more awakenings predominate, probably due to the increase in progesterone. Back pain, increased urination and nausea also play a role.
Second trimonthter:Gastroesophageal reflux, body movements and nightmares may appear.
Third trimonthter: it is the most critical period. Back and muscle pain, nighttime awakenings, increased urination due to bladder compression, and snoring are common. Snoring during pregnancy can be associated with sleep apnoea and requires evaluation, since it has been related to a higher incidence of hypertension, preeclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation.
Therestless legs syndromeaffects up to15%of women during pregnancy, especially if there are low levels of iron or folic acid; In almost all cases it disappears after childbirth. Painful leg cramps can also disrupt sleep.
Changes in transition
Menopause is another period of important hormonal, physical and psychological changes, although the symptoms vary in each case.
El climacteric it is the phase that precedes menopause, in which the gradual decrease in ovarian function occurs.
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Frequent signs
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Sleep at each stage
Explore each stage to know its keys:
Premenstrual syndrome and cycle
In the days before your period, the hormonal drop can cause insomnia, lighter sleep and fatigue. It is usually cyclical; Recognizing the pattern helps to manage it with habits and, if necessary, treatment.
Sleep during pregnancy
Physical discomfort, the need to urinate, reflux, cramps or restless legs fragment sleep, especially at the end. It is also advisable to monitor the appearance of snoring or apnoea. We give safe guidelines to rest better.
Menopause and perimenopause
The drop in estrogen, nighttime hot flashes and awakenings make this the stage with the most sleep complaints. Menopausal insomnia has a specific approach, combining habits, therapy and, if appropriate, medical treatment.
Restless legs in women
RLS is more common in women and can appear or worsen during pregnancy, often linked to iron deficiency. It is valued and treated.
Why hormones influence
Hormonal changes directly affect sleep mechanisms.
Its fluctuations modulate sleep.
They wake up and fragment rest during menopause.
Physical and hormonal discomforts of the third trimonthter.
Promotes restless legs syndrome.
More frequent in certain stages, they worsen sleep.
It increases after menopause, often underdiagnosed.
How we study and help
We assess your sleep taking into account your life stage and your symptoms, with a sleep study if applicable.
First consultation
History of sleep and your hormonal stage
Rating
We identify what influences your rest
Study if applicable
We rule out apnoea, restless legs or other causes
Custom plan
Habits, therapy and treatment according to your case
With menopause I stopped sleeping: hot flashes, awakenings, exhaustion. They treated my insomnia specifically for this stage and I have rested again. I wish I had consulted it before.
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We solve your doubts
Why do women sleep worse?
Does menopause insomnia have a solution?
I'm pregnant and I'm a terrible sleeper, what can I do?
Is restless legs syndrome more common in women?
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Content reviewed by the medical team of the Sleep Research Institute.