Why You Struggle to Sleep on Your Period

Nearly thirty percent of people in New Zealand don't get enough sleep. But, did you know that your period can play a role in how you sleep?

Do you struggle to sleep on your period or when you have PMS? Are you searching for solutions to PMS and period sleep disruptions? Read on to learn more.

Pesky PMS Symptoms Are Affecting Your Sleep! Here’s Why 

Your period usually causes changes in your hormone levels that can affect your sleep style. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop steeply right before you get your period, which is what causes PMS sleep problems. 

PMS symptoms can also disrupt your sleep. If you have particularly bad cramps, it can be hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Some of the physical PMS symptoms that can disrupt your sleep cycle include:

• Backaches or headaches
• Stomach cramping
• Increased sensitivity to sound or light
• Bloating

Symptoms of PMS that affect your mental health can also affect your sleep cycle. If you're struggling from anxiety, depression, or both due to your PMS, it can be a lot more difficult to get to sleep. 

When you have sleep problems, you're more likely to be sleepy during the day. This will make it harder for you to be productive at work and to enjoy your social life.

Similarly, if you have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) rather than PMS, you may have even worse symptoms. Additional symptoms of PMDD can include problems with your vision, hot flashes, swelling in your limbs, being overly prone to bruising, itchy skin, and having problems with your urination.

If you believe that you might be suffering from PMDD, you might want to talk to a doctor and see if there's anything they can do to help you out.

These 3 Sleeping Positions Will Change Your Life   

How you sleep can also relieve some of your PMS symptoms and help you sleep easier. So, trying different positions to sleep in can be one good strategy.

The best sleeping position when you have cramps or PMS is the fetal position. This helps reduce stress on your abdominal muscles. 

So, curl up in a ball and try it out. If you have trouble sleeping in this position, try using a body pillow or a weighted blanket to help you settle down.

The next best sleeping position is the common child's pose. This can be a little awkward when you're first starting out, but it can really help with a lot of your PMS symptoms.

You'll be kneeling on your bed, with your head down and your arms extended out. You can use pillows to prop yourself up. This can help with headaches that come up before you start your period, too.

Lastly, you can use a pillow to help relieve PMS symptoms while you sleep. You put the pillow under your knees, to try and keep them straight.

This will help with your blood flow and help you relieve your symptoms.  Try out all three of these positions, and figure out which works best for you.

AWWA Period Underwear Is Here to Help

The last thing you want to be doing is getting up during the night to change your tampon or pad. That just disrupts your sleep cycle!

Luckily, AWWA products can help you out. Our range of period underwear is available in heavy, moderate, and light flow varieties.

Our Skye High Period Brief holds up to 5 tampons worth of flow, so you can sleep every night knowing you have great protection. If the Skye High isn’t your favourite cut, we also have our popular period boxer briefs, period briefs, or period hipsters, all of which are ideal for sleeping as well.

Hear Us Out… Exercise Can Help Too

In addition, exercise is also a good way to reduce problems with PMS. Try doing some light cardio, or add some yoga to your daily routine. This helps regulate your blood flow, which will help your PMS symptoms.

Still Needing PMS Relief Inspo? Revisit Traditional Methods 

There are also different medications you can use to reduce any PMS symptoms that you're struggling with. Pain relievers are a great choice. You can also use diuretics to reduce any inflammation you might be suffering from.

If you're struggling with sleep disruptions generally, there are more options for you. Stay away from screens for at least an hour before you go to bed since the blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle. Create a regular sleep schedule, so that you'll always be able to get the rest you need.

Happy Sleeping! You Can Thank Us Later 

So, if you’re struggling to sleep on your period, hopefully, you now have some strategies to ease the way you’re feeling. There are lots of options available to you!

What are you waiting for? Start shopping for period undies today.