Hormones do far more than regulate reproduction—they also have a profound effect on sleep. Two of the most influential hormones in this relationship are estrogen and progesterone, both of which fluctuate naturally throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes can directly alter how easily you fall asleep, how long you stay asleep, and how rested you feel in the morning.
For many people, especially women during perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes and night sweats become a frustrating barrier to getting quality sleep. While occasional temperature changes at night are normal, hot flashes are more intense, often accompanied by sudden warmth, sweating, and even a rapid heartbeat. When these happen during sleep, they can cause repeated awakenings, leaving you groggy, irritable, and unrested.
Perimenopause—the transitional stage leading up to menopause—can be a confusing and sometimes frustrating time. It usually begins in a woman’s 40s (though it can start earlier) and can last several years before the menstrual cycle fully stops. One of the most common yet overlooked symptoms during this phase is disrupted sleep.