How the Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Sleep Cycle – Cora

Ovulation.

Estrogen increases leading up to ovulation, which provides a natural mood boost by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. As a result of this mood boost, there is an increased likelihood of heightened libido too. And let’s be honest, who can really sleep with steamy thoughts before bedtime? 

Estrogen induces this biological excitement, partially so the body can become pregnant. This excitement or increased level of energy in the body may naturally lead to insomnia the nights leading up to, and the night of ovulation. However, it’s helpful to keep in mind that this sleep disturbance most likely occurs during the biological sexual peak in a woman’s 20s and early 30s, rather than in her 40s.

Another reason sleep may be impacted around ovulation is due to changes in basal body temperature. Leading up to the release of the egg from the ovary, body temperature decreases. Within the first 24 hours of releasing the egg, and the few days that follow, progesterone levels begin to rise, increasing basal body temperature. This sharp change in body temperature is likely to lead to insomnia. In ideal circumstances, as you are winding down for bedtime, body temperature lowers by one to two degrees, and the body losing heat is what helps you get to sleep and stay sound asleep throughout the night. 

So be prepared for the increase in body temperature around ovulation to keep you up. Try sleeping in lighter pajamas, using a lighter comforter around this time, or simply making your bedroom a bit cooler.