Sleep Dynamics and Hormonal Influence Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
Summary
The menstrual cycle orchestrates a complex interplay between reproductive hormones and the sleep–wake system, leading to measurable changes in sleep timing, quality and physiology. The follicular phase, dominated by rising oestrogen and low progesterone, tends to be associated with lower core body temperature, reduced energy expenditure during sleep and more consolidated slow-wave sleep. Following ovulation, the luteal phase sees a progesterone-driven elevation in basal temperature, increased metabolic rate and shifts in autonomic balance that can fragment sleep architecture and alter the distribution of rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM stages. Simultaneously, fluctuations in oestrogen modulate the sensitivity of the circadian pacemaker to light and influence melatonin secretion. Together, these hormonal dynamics impact subjective sleep quality, mood stability and daytime alertness, with potential consequences for cognitive performance, metabolic regulation and overall well-being. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted behavioural and chronotherapeutic interventions to optimise sleep across all phases of the cycle.
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Sleep Dynamics and Hormonal Influence Throughout the Menstrual Cycle publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in sleep dynamics and hormonal influence throughout the menstrual cycle across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Follicular phase: The first half of the menstrual cycle, from menstruation to ovulation, characterised by rising oestrogen and low progesterone.
Luteal phase: The second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation, marked by elevated progesterone and moderate oestrogen levels.
Sleep architecture: The structure and pattern of sleep stages, including REM and non-REM phases, across a sleep period.
Circadian rhythm: The endogenous, roughly 24-hour cycle regulating physiological processes, including the sleep–wake cycle, influenced by light and hormonal signals.
Heart rate variability (HRV): A measure of variations in the intervals between heartbeats, reflecting autonomic nervous system balance.
Thermoregulation: The physiological processes that maintain core body temperature within a narrow, optimal range during sleep and wakefulness.
References
- Greater sensitivity of the circadian system of women to bright light, but not dim‐to‐moderate light. Journal of Pineal Research (2024).
- Good sleep is a mood buffer for young women during menses. Sleep (2023).
- Changes in sleeping energy metabolism and thermoregulation during menstrual cycle. Physiological Reports (2020).
- Tracking Sleep, Temperature, Heart Rate, and Daily Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle with the Oura Ring in Healthy Women. International Journal of Women's Health (2022).
- Menstrual disturbances and its association with sleep disturbances: a systematic review. BMC Women's Health (2023).
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