Dysmenorrhea and Absence of Restorative Sleep
Keiko Takata1,2, Kazuhiko Kotani3, Hitoshi Umino2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uwanomachi Clinic, Kanuma, Japan.
Journal of Clinical Medicine Research
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Severe dysmenorrhea is linked to poor sleep quality in women. This study found that women with moderate to severe menstrual pain were more likely to experience a lack of restorative sleep.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Dysmenorrhea significantly impacts daily functioning.
- The relationship between dysmenorrhea severity and restorative sleep quality is not well-established.
- Sleep-related health is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the severity of dysmenorrhea and the absence of restorative sleep in women.
- To determine if menstrual pain influences sleep quality.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 2,752 women aged 18-56.
- Dysmenorrhea severity was self-reported as mild, moderate, or severe.
- Restorative sleep was assessed via questionnaire; associations were analyzed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 38.4% of participants reported an absence of restorative sleep.
- Severe dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with the absence of restorative sleep (aOR 2.282, 95% CI 1.744-2.986).
- Moderate dysmenorrhea also showed a significant association with the absence of restorative sleep (aOR 1.241, 95% CI 1.049-1.467).
Conclusions:
- A positive association exists between dysmenorrhea severity and the lack of restorative sleep in women.
- Assessing restorative sleep may be beneficial during health evaluations for women with dysmenorrhea.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering sleep quality in the management of menstrual pain.
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