A study has confirmed what women have known to be true for centuries – your menstrual cycle really does affect your emotions.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia say that women feel more angry in the days leading up to their period.
They’re also more likely to experience disruptions in their sleep patterns during this time.
‘Our research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between menstrual cycles, emotions, and sleep and the impact of hormonal fluctuations on women’s well-being,’ said Dr Jo Bower, co-author of the study.
‘By understanding how these factors interact, we can better address the unique needs of women in terms of sleep health and emotional well-being.’
Researchers from the University of East Anglia say that women feel more angry in the days leading up to their period (stock image)
The symptoms women can experience in the weeks before the period – also known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – have been widely studied for years.
However, until now, the associations between menstrual phases, emotional states, and sleep quality have not been assessed.
In their new study, the team analysed data from 51 healthy women aged between 18 and 35, who had regular periods and were not taking hormonal contraception.
The women completed daily self-reports on their sleep and emotions, and wore sleep-tracking watches across two menstrual months.
The results revealed that the women experienced disruptions in their sleep patterns in the days leading up to their period.
During this so-called peri-menstrual phase, women also reported heightened feelings of anger compared to other phases of their menstrual cycle.
The women experienced disruptions in their sleep patterns in the days leading up to their period (stock image)
What’s more, the women reported reduced positive emotions – including calmness, happiness, and enthusiasm – during this phase.
Overall, the findings suggest that hormonal fluctuations may influence sleep disorders and emotional distress in women.
‘The implications of this research reach further than just the controlled setting, providing potential pathways for interventions and treatments aimed at enhancing sleep quality and emotional resilience in women,’ Dr Bower added.
The researchers highlight several important limitations with the study.
The data was collected at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the impact of this cannot be fully known.
The sample size was also very small, and a larger study is necessary to verify the findings.