Sleep and the reproductive cycle: a review

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Sleep medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Women report higher rates of sleep disturbances compared to men.
• Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's reproductive life may increase vulnerability to stress and sleep issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between hormonal changes in women and sleep disturbances.
• To review sleep patterns associated with various reproductive stages and hormonal conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on sleep patterns.
• Analysis of sleep-related experiences during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like amenorrhea.

Main Results:

• Sleep disturbances are prevalent in women across different reproductive phases.
• Menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, pregnancy, and menopause are associated with altered sleep.

Conclusions:

• The interplay between sleep, endocrine changes, and mood in women requires systematic investigation.
• Understanding these connections is crucial for addressing women's sleep health.