Period Problems: Sleeping Through The Day

Periods can be exhausting, and it's not uncommon to feel the need to sleep all day when you're menstruating. This fatigue is often caused by hormonal changes, such as a dip in estrogen, which can lead to lower serotonin levels and affect your mood and energy. Heavy bleeding can also cause low red blood cell counts, leading to symptoms like tiredness and weakness. Periods can also disrupt your sleep, especially if you're experiencing cramps or a heavy flow. Other factors such as stress, changes in eating habits, and medical conditions can also contribute to the exhaustion. If you're concerned about extreme fatigue during your period, it's important to consult a doctor as it could indicate underlying health issues such as anaemia or an underactive thyroid.

Hormonal changes

In the week before the period, progesterone levels are typically higher than oestrogen levels, which can lead to lower energy levels. If there is a significant imbalance between these hormones, it may result in PMS symptoms such as low mood and fatigue, making it difficult to stay awake and causing a desire to sleep more.

Additionally, a drop in oestrogen levels can reset the internal thermostat to a higher setting, causing a person to feel warmer. This can further disrupt sleep, especially if they are already struggling with low energy due to the hormonal imbalance.

The interplay between oestrogen and progesterone can also impact serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood and energy levels. When oestrogen levels decrease, serotonin levels tend to decline as well, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue and low mood.

Furthermore, the hormone melatonin, which promotes sleep, may also be influenced by hormonal changes during the premenstrual phase. People with PMDD have been found to produce less melatonin and exhibit a blunted response to it, leading to sleep troubles. Increases in progesterone levels during this time may also contribute to sleep difficulties.

The hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle can have a significant impact on sleep and energy levels. These changes can cause fluctuations in serotonin and melatonin levels, affecting mood, energy, and sleep quality. Understanding these hormonal changes can help people better manage their sleep patterns and fatigue during their period.

Anaemia

Heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, can lead to anaemia. When you lose a lot of blood during your period, you may end up losing more red blood cells than your body can make. This can reduce the amount of iron in your body. As a result, your body will have a harder time making the haemoglobin that's needed to carry oxygen throughout your body.

If you have consistently heavy bleeding during your period, it's possible to develop anaemia. Your iron levels can decrease due to blood loss, leaving you feeling depleted and fatigued.

People with heavy menstrual bleeding are more susceptible to iron-deficiency anaemia. A person is considered to have heavy menstrual bleeding when their menstrual period is typically over 80 ml. Symptoms of heavy periods include:

• Needing to change pads or tampons every hour for hours in a row
• Having to double up on pads to absorb your menstrual flow
• Having to change pads or tampons during the night
• Menstrual bleeding that lasts 7 days or longer
• Passing clots or clumps of blood that are larger than a quarter
• Feeling weak or tired when you have your period
• Not being able to do the things you would normally do

Lack of sleep

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect sleep patterns and quality. For example, an imbalance between the hormones oestrogen and progesterone can impact energy levels and sleep. Oestrogen can be considered a stimulating hormone, while progesterone has a relaxing effect. In the week before a period, progesterone levels are typically higher than oestrogen, which may result in lower energy levels. Additionally, serotonin levels can decrease due to low progesterone, affecting sleep and energy.

Physical Pain

Physical symptoms such as menstrual cramps, bloating, and headaches can also disrupt sleep. These symptoms may make it difficult to fall asleep or maintain restful sleep throughout the night.

Emotional Distress

Emotional changes, including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and sadness, are common during the premenstrual phase. These emotional shifts can interfere with sleep, leading to insomnia or reduced sleep quality.

Other Factors

Other factors, such as stress, changes in eating habits, and medical conditions like uterine fibroids, can also contribute to sleep disturbances during this time.

Impact of Lack of Sleep

To improve sleep quality during this time, it is recommended to practice healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in relaxation techniques, and exercising regularly. Prioritising sleep can help reduce the impact of period-related sleep disturbances.

Poor diet

A poor diet can lead to low iron levels, which is a common cause of fatigue during menstruation. Heavy bleeding during a period can lead to iron deficiency anemia, where the body is unable to produce the hemoglobin that red blood cells require to transport oxygen to the body's cells. This can cause symptoms such as weakness and fatigue.

In addition, eating too much food can lead to a spike and subsequent dip in blood glucose levels, resulting in feelings of tiredness and fatigue.

A poor diet can also impact sleep quality, which is already disturbed for many people during their period. Eating too much sugar or consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can negatively affect sleep. For example, caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep, and alcohol can cause sleep disturbances.

A healthy diet is important for maintaining energy levels and can help to improve sleep quality. Eating regular, balanced meals with less sugar can help stabilize blood glucose levels and prevent energy crashes and fatigue.

If you are experiencing fatigue during your period, it is important to prioritize a healthy diet and adequate sleep.

Underlying health issues

There are several underlying health issues that could be contributing to excessive sleep during your period. Here are some potential factors:

Anaemia

Anaemia is a common condition associated with menstrual cycles, especially if your periods are heavy. It occurs when there is a deficiency in red blood cells or haemoglobin, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. As a result, you may experience fatigue, weakness, and a decreased capacity for physical activity. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia, and it can be addressed by adjusting your diet to include more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.

Frequently asked questions