Wondering if birth control can cause insomnia or other sleep issues?
Here’s what hormone experts have to say about the latest research.
Yet other people swear that the same medication helps them pass out like a baby every night.
The short answer: Were not sure.
Even the experts wish there were more definitive answers available as to how birth control affects our sleep.
blue light], substance use, your diet, and more, she says.
fertility specialist and founder of theTUSHY methodof egg fertilization
This is likely why past research on the topic has had such mixed results.
But what do your sex hormones have to do with sleep at all?
In the simplest terms possible: Your bodylowers its core temperaturebefore its time to go to sleep.
And both estrogen and progesterone play a role in this process.
Estrogendecreases the body temperature, while progesterone increases body temperature, Dr. Eyvazzadeh says.
Progesterone also has a natural calming and sedative effect, she says.
Imbalances in these hormones cancause changes to the sleep cycle.
Low levels of progesterone hasbeen linked with trouble sleeping.
Can birth control cause insomnia or mess up your sleep?
fertility specialist and founder of theTUSHY methodof egg fertilization
These changes may affect your bodys natural sleep-wake cycle and potentially lead to disruptions in your sleep patterns.
In short, the new hormone levels might make you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
(Hello, insomnia!)
Dr. Pedroso says the extent of these effects can vary among individuals.
Some of the variable effects on sleep might have to do with the punch in of contraception as well.
(By comparison, combination birth control pills have both estrogen and progesterone.)
However, [progestin-only birth control pills] may also cause fragmented sleep with more awakenings during the night.
Then theres the hormonal IUD, which she says releases a small amount of progesterone directly into the uterus.
Each pill then lasts around 24 hours.
If you feel like your pill is negatively impacting your sleep, try taking it in the morning.
That way, the peak concentration [of hormones] is reached while you are awake, she says.
If you feel like your birth control is helping your sleep, continue taking the pill at night.
Many mental health conditions are linked to poor sleep, such as depression, anxiety, and psychological stress.
Our bodies are uniqueincluding how they respond to medication.
That way, youll receive personalized guidance in finding the right balance between contraception and maintaining healthy sleep patterns.
Dr. Pedroso also says mastering stress management techniques are key to a better nights sleep.
Manage stress throughrelaxation techniques,mindfulness, or activities that help you unwind before bed, she says.
With these tips up your sleeve, youll be sleeping like a baby in no time.
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