Can’t sleep? Your hormones might be the cause. Many women find it harder to sleep than men do. This guide will help you learn why.
What Are Your Key Hormones?
Two main hormones affect how well women sleep: oestrogen and progesterone. Think of them as your body’s control team.
Oestrogen runs your monthly cycle. It comes from your ovaries, glands, and fat cells. There are three types:
- One that’s strong when you can have babies
- One that works during pregnancy
- One that takes over after the change of life
Progesterone helps you feel calm and sleepy. It rises when you’re pregnant. Your body makes it in your ovaries and glands.
How Your Monthly Cycle Affects Sleep
Most girls start their periods between age 10 and 15. This is when sleep starts to change.
A week before your period, your progesterone goes up. Then it drops fast, and your period starts. This quick drop can make it hard to sleep. After your period ends, you often sleep better as the hormone rises again.
Some women have a problem called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This means their hormones don’t work as they should. They might find it harder to sleep well. They might also stop breathing for short times while sleeping.
Sleep Tips During Your Period:
- Move your body each day
- Get ready for bed early
- Skip tea, coffee, and cigarettes
Pregnancy and Sleep
When you’re pregnant, your hormones go wild. In the first three months, they shoot up fast. That’s why many women need lots of naps early in pregnancy.
By the end of pregnancy, your hormones settle down. But you might still sleep badly because you need to wee often or feel too big to get comfy.
What Helps During Pregnancy
- Use extra pillows to prop up your head
- Try deep breathing to relax
- Keep to the same bedtime each night
Sleep During The Change of Life
At the change of life (menopause), your hormones jump up and down. You might wake up hot and sweaty at night. Your body makes less of the hormone that helps you relax.
Before the change, hormones help guard against sleep problems. After it starts, this help stops. Many women this age sleep less deeply and wake up tired.
Tips That Help During Menopause
- Eat foods with soya in them
- Skip hot, spicy meals
- Wear cool clothes in bed
- Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy if you need them
The Good News
Your hormones will change – that’s natural. But bad sleep isn’t something you have to live with. Simple changes can help a lot. If sleep is still hard, talk to your doctor. They can find ways to help you rest better.
Remember: Good sleep matters. It helps keep your mind sharp and your body strong. Don’t just put up with bad sleep – take steps to fix it.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health UK
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
