As we drift off to sleep, our bodies are hard at work, orchestrating a delicate dance of hormones that can make or break our slumber.
Research shows that hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact both sleep quality and quantity. For women, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause bring about hormonal shifts that can disrupt sleep patterns. These changes can lead to issues such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome and even sleep apnea.
Role of Estrogen in Sleep Regulation |
Studies indicate that 17β-estraodiol, a form of Estrogen, plays a crucial role in sleep regulation[i]. Higher levels of Estradiol, combined with optimal sleep quantity and efficiency, are associated with better cognitive and motor performance. Women going through menopause, experience a in decrease in Estrogen, may suddenly find that they have more trouble sleeping than ever before. Interestingly, the interaction between Estradiol and sleep patterns also influences brain connectivity, particularly in areas related to cognitive and motor functions |
Testosterone and Sleep Sabotage
While testosterone is often associated with male physiology, it also has a profound impact in females. Research suggests that testosterone has a negative impact on both cognitive and motor behaviour across females, regardless of their reproductive stage[ii], Trans-men are often afflicted by insomnia, because of testosterone therapy[iii].
Melatonin Production and Sleep Timing
Females tend to feel the urge to sleep earlier than males, thanks to their more robust melatonin production[iv]. This makes them more sensitive to the effects of sleep deprivation. Understanding these hormonal influences can help you better manage your sleep schedule and overall health.
In many cases, hormone levels are hard to control, and the lack sleep is an unwanted side effect. However, understanding the relationship between hormonal cycles and our circadian rhythm is an important step to figuring out the best way to manage tiredness.
[i] Ballard HK, Jackson TB, Hicks TH, Cox SJ, Symm A, Maldonado T, Bernard JA. Hormone-sleep interactions predict cerebellar connectivity and behavior in aging females. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2023 Apr;150:106034. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106034. Epub 2023 Jan 25. PMID: 36709633; PMCID: PMC10149037.
[ii] Ballard HK, Jackson TB, Hicks TH, Cox SJ, Symm A, Maldonado T, Bernard JA. Hormone-sleep interactions predict cerebellar connectivity and behavior in aging females. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2023 Apr;150:106034. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106034. Epub 2023 Jan 25. PMID: 36709633; PMCID: PMC10149037.
[iii] Collins J, Espiritu J, 1187 Non-24-hour Sleep-Wake Disorder in Transgender Male Receiving Exogenous Testosterone, Sleep, Volume 47, Issue Supplement_1, May 2024, Page A507, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsae067.01187
[iv] Burgard, S. A., & Ailshire, J. A. (2013). Gender and Time for Sleep among U.S. Adults. American sociological review, 78(1), 51–69.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25237206/
