Many women notice that their sleep patterns shift throughout the month, often in sync with their menstrual cycle. That’s because fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone—two key reproductive hormones—directly affect sleep quality, body temperature, and even circadian rhythm. By understanding how each phase of the cycle influences rest, you can adjust habits and expectations for better sleep.
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.