Research reveals link between menstrual cycles, emotions, and sleep patterns in women

Researchers found that women experience disruptions in their sleep patterns in the days leading up to their period and that these sleep disturbances were associated with reduced positive emotions.

“While it has long been acknowledged that mood can vary across a woman’s menstrual cycle, this new research adds some context to those changes in emotion,” said Dr. Jessica Meers, a clinical psychologist at the VA’s Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, which is a collaboration between the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine.  “This study suggests that it may be that these hormonal changes are influencing how women sleep, which then contributes to a reduction in positive emotions in the later part of her menstrual cycle.”

Researchers analyzed data from 51 healthy women aged between 18 and 35, who had regular periods and were not taking hormonal contraception. Some compelling associations between menstrual phases, emotional states, and sleep quality were discovered, adding to a growing body of evidence suggesting that menstrual cycles may play a significant role in women's vulnerability to insomnia and mental health issues. 

“These findings are important because we may be able to enhance women’s emotional well-being by protecting her sleep,” Meers added. “By acknowledging cycle-dependent sleep changes, we may be better able to promote emotional resilience in women.”

The University of East Anglia and the University of Houston were also partners in the research.

‘Interaction of Sleep and Emotion Across the Menstrual Cycle’ is published in The Journal of Sleep Research. 

Maureen Dyman, Communications Director

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