Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Why do I have trouble sleeping before my period?

103 Answers
Last Updated: 10/04/2016 at 7:58pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brooke Bowen, LPC

Counselor

I am nonjudgmental, supportive, and encouraging. I use an eclectic approach in order to empower you so you can have a happy and fulfilling future :)

Top Rated Answers
SpiritedMeteor
August 20th, 2015 2:06pm
I become EXTREMELY emotional before my period. I never used to as a teenager, but I've found that adulthood has brought a new level of hormones to my life. I now have a stash of Dove chocolates and calming teas constantly on hand, just in case.
Anonymous
September 25th, 2015 1:27pm
Probably because your body temperature is slightly elevated and you're not comfortable enough to sleep. This can also cause you to toss and turn, keeping you awake. You could try wearing lighter clothing, less covering, cooling the room down a little, (not too much) and drinking more water before going to bed. Hydration helps to regulate body temperature, so it might help.
Anonymous
August 21st, 2015 12:52pm
There could be multiple factors involved... cramps, bloating, headaches, heavy bleeding, and pain can lead to sleep problems. The core temperature rises almost half a degree after ovulation. People begin to feel sleepy when their temperature drops and are most likely to sleep when their temperature is at its lowest – so the second half of the menstrual cycle could be a time of more disturbed sleep.Women with severe PMS feel sleepier during the day and have slower reaction times when premenstrual than at other times. PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), dysmenorrhea, and polycystic ovary syndrome cause sleep problems of their own. Women with strong cramps take longer to fall asleep and then sleep poorly. Hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone that intervene in well-being can modify sleep, as well as digestive upsets can also disrupt the sleep cycle.
lachat
September 4th, 2015 6:43am
I wish I could answer this question about troubled sleep during one's period. God did not grant me this privilege. He thought I was not man enough to be a woman.
Em
September 16th, 2015 12:17am
"Rising and falling levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, can affect a woman's ability to fall and stay asleep -- as well as influence the quality of her sleep." (http://www.webmd.com/women/pms/features/why-pms-gives-you-insomnia)
Anonymous
October 4th, 2016 7:58pm
I have PMS symptoms. Part of it is having trouble falling asleep. It seems like a natural consequence.
Anonymous
September 30th, 2015 12:25am
I have trouble sleeping before my period for many reasons, but mainly because my hormones are out of control during this time. It's normal for your sleep to thrown out of rhythm when you have your period. Hang in there and try taking some over the counter medicine to help sleep better! Also, know that you're not alone. : )
dannyforalways
September 11th, 2015 7:00am
When your estrogen rises as you go through the time before your period, the hormones can impact your energy levels in a big way. Focus on things you love to relax yourself, and don't worry about your problems right now. It's okay that it's not the time for working them out. Channel your thoughts, make sure you're not hungry (have a nibble on something light), and create a soothing, darkened environment for yourself. Pampering yourself is so worth it. Rest well soon.
Anonymous
November 20th, 2015 9:45am
Because your hormones are switching roles. Your body reacts by changing cycles periodically and by doing this your body needs to adjust the amount of melatonine in your brain.
madelyngayle
August 26th, 2015 2:15am
From a personal experience, I usually get very hot from my hormones acting up (PMS) and I also cramp up somewhat badly. I usually put a cold rag on my forehead and lay as still as I can.
Anonymous
September 8th, 2015 2:51am
You may have PMS. PMS can affect you physically, socially, emotionally, and even spiritually. It can range from very mild to very severe. Some people claim that healthy diets and exercise can help diminish the symptoms.
wonderfulParadise33
October 28th, 2015 5:31am
Insomnia is a popular pre-menstrual symptom that affects a lot of women. Usually it is just hormone changes that cause you to feel more alert at night. However, if this is something that is interrupting with your ability to focus during the day, then seeking professional medical advice would be wise.
Anonymous
September 26th, 2015 2:13pm
Getting a poor night's sleep means more than just a bad day ahead. The quality of your sleep can harm your health long-term; sleep deprivation is linked to obesity and high blood pressure, poor concentration, and lack of energy for exercising, healthy eating, and leisure activities.
sweetSoul15
September 16th, 2015 11:31am
Due to ammounted pressure of hormonal flooding through your system , makes women feel irritable. Some women feel more needy , more or less communicative.
Aliro
September 2nd, 2015 3:47am
Anticipation, its like having to worry about the bills at the end of the month or Sunday night worrying about work the next day. It can be overwhelming especially if we know it is coming and we have to deal with it.
Anonymous
August 21st, 2015 9:51pm
Because it can be itchy and uncomfortable since your body is changing.. It's normal for females. :)
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2015 8:24pm
I think the hormones racing around might keep you up at night. I often have trouble sleep when on my period and feel very upset. A warm bath or shower, coupled with your favorite snack can help you go to sleep.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2015 8:01pm
This is usually because we worry we may start whilst we are sleeping. OR maybe overthinking due to PMSING
Anonymous
November 13th, 2015 6:03pm
Before your period, during, and right afterwards, your hormones are doing somersaults practically. These can change your brain's activity, causing you to have trouble sleeping.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2015 4:38pm
Some things in the body change before the upcoming period,sleep is one of those things. It's not something worth being concerned over.
ylyme13
October 29th, 2015 10:35am
I have the same problem too. It might be caused by the overflow of hormones and the mood changes. A lot of my friends experience this too.
PillowWhispers
October 30th, 2015 4:17pm
Because of PMS. The estrogen and progesterone levels drop. this is when many women have trouble sleeping.
EsaAnnMarie
October 30th, 2015 1:29am
This could be because of a common overthinking before bed that is heightened by the hormones of your period. To help this, you could possibly trying breathing exercises to clear your mind.
helpfulPeace78
August 21st, 2015 2:12am
Periods influence the hormones in a woman's body, making all of these changes in how the body functions. You may also notice before your period you eat more or less, it is the same thing!
CharmedPrincess91
November 18th, 2015 9:10pm
Guessing because of the hormones and pain. You could be feeling tensed because of all this. Try to do things that help you relax and feel calm. Because the key to falling asleep is feeling relaxed.
RubyLips13
November 15th, 2015 3:18am
Could be something hormonal going on. Nest way to find out what's going on is to set up an appointment with a doctor and talk through the symptoms surrounding your cycle.
insightfulSpace79
November 19th, 2015 4:38am
When estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menstruation, this causes you to feel less happy and more stressed. So if you're having trouble sleeping it could be because your hormones are causing you to feel stress, which could be keeping you up at night. Also, if you get headaches before or during your period, this could also be keeping you awake or affecting your sleep!
Anonymous
November 21st, 2015 2:49am
Having trouble sleeping before your period can be caused because of cramps, bloating, headaches and much more. Your body temperature may rise which can disturb your sleep, as you begin to fall asleep when your body temperature cools.
Anonymous
November 19th, 2015 7:43pm
This could be menstrual insomnia. There is a whole load of information about it if you type it into google.
Anonymous
August 19th, 2015 7:00pm
probably becouse you have camps,or backache or headache. Try to get something yummy and hot like hot chocolate and keep your feet warm