Many women are unaware that their normal hormonal changes can set the stage for sleep deprivation.
During the menstrual cycle, there are fluctuating levels of progesterone, a female hormone that induces sleep and affects body temperature. When these levels are low, women generally get less deep sleep. At mid-cycle, when levels are higher, the amount of restorative sleep increases. As menstruation begins, levels drop sharply, causing a night of insomnia for some women. Women who suffer from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome get about one third less deep sleep than those without this problem.