"Later in the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle, in the couple of weeks before your next period), the drop in both oestrogen and progesterone that heralds the coming of a period is classically associated with disturbed sleep. "At this point, cortisol levels can increase, melatonin levels decrease, body temperature is slightly higher, and REM sleep diminishes," she says. She adds that, while sleep is usually uninterrupted in the first half of the cycle, issues can begin after ovulation. "Our sleep pattern is regulated by our own circadian rhythm, and that is influenced by fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle." "All women are different - some might find that their quality of sleep is affected by their menstrual cycle, whereas others will not," says Sara Matthews, consultant gynaecologist at the Portland Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare UK). According to the National Sleep Foundation in the USA, 30% of women report disturbed sleep during their period, along with 23% the week beforehand. Insomnia is more common in women during pregnancy and perimenopause, and at certain points of the menstrual cycle. There are a few possible reasons for this gender discrepancy, but a key culprit is hormonal fluctuations. One review paper, from 2006, found that women are at 40% greater risk of insomnia. And though statistics vary, studies consistently show that women are more affected than men. Many of us experience poor-quality sleep from time to time.
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