The Effects of Sleep Drive on the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle often dings me on my readiness twice a month, right? It's like ad ovulation and right before bleed week. Can you maybe outline how sleep drives, sleep pressure, length and quality of sleep might might change over the course of the menstrual cycle? So I'm glad you brought this up. To be very honest with you, you're one of the first people to ever ask me this question.

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Our guest, Dr. Michael J. Breus, is a clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience in the sleep field.

As a sleep expert, Dr. Breus advises women going through perimenopause and menopause to establish a regular, consistent sleep schedule to manage the hormonal shifts associated with these transitions. He also recommends deep breathing, hydration, and getting sunlight.

"While there is no guidebook for managing menopausal sleep issues, these strategies can help to mitigate some of the symptoms associated with this transition," he says.

Dr. Breus stresses the importance of maintaining consistent sleep routines and creating a comfortable sleep environment. He also recommends moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol consumption, and using technology such as temperature-regulating pads.

While discipline in sleep routine is crucial, he stresses the importance of acceptance and relaxation, rather than trying to think oneself to sleep or worrying about lack of sleep.

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Episode Overview (timestamps are approximate):

4:05 - How menopause/perimenopause affects your sleep

8:21 - Can you “catch up” on sleep?

12:00 - How sleep changes around your cycle

16:31 - Instituting the daily nap

24:09 - When to nap during your cycling

27:12 - When to exercise for the best sleep

31:28 - Alcohol, dehydration and sleep

34:51 - How to use acceptance as a sleep aid

39:29 - Why you got to the bathroom during the night

46:02 - Should you breathe through your nose or mouth?

52:42 - Are you a side, back, or belly sleeper?