# Period Insomnia: Here’s What You Should Know

February 13, 2025

If you’ve ever found yourself wide awake at 2 AM, scrolling endlessly or contemplating life’s biggest mysteries (like why [tampons still get taxed](/content/blog/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-tampon-tax/index.html) as a luxury item), you might be dealing with _period insomnia._ Yep, your cycle isn’t just here to mess with [your mood](/content/blog/monthly-mood-swings-your-periods-emotional-playlist/index.html) and [cravings](/content/blog/the-most-popular-period-cravings/index.html)—it can seriously mess with your sleep, too.

## **Why Can’t You Sleep on Your Period?**

Your hormones are the main culprits. Right before and during your period, [estrogen and progesterone](/content/blog/estrogens-influence-on-your-period/index.html) take a nosedive, which can throw your body’s internal clock off balance. This hormonal shift can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Plus, bloating, cramps, and the general discomfort of _bleeding_ don’t exactly scream “sweet dreams.”

## **The Vicious Cycle of Period Insomnia**

Lack of sleep during your period doesn’t just make you groggy—it can intensify PMS symptoms, [increase stress](/content/blog/the-impact-of-stress-on-your-period/index.html) and even mess with how much pain you feel. Basically, the less you sleep, the worse your period can feel. Rude, right?

## **How to Get Better Sleep on Your Period**

Luckily, you don’t have to accept restless nights as part of your cycle. [Here are some hacks](/content/blog/sleep-on-your-period/index.html) to help you catch those ZZZs:

- **Stick to a routine:** Try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day (yes, even on weekends). Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
- **Create a cozy sleep space:** Keep your room cool, dark and distraction-free. [A heating pad](/content/blog/the-benefits-of-using-a-heating-pad-for-cramps/index.html) can also be your BFF for [soothing cramps](/content/blog/natural-remedies-for-period-cramps/index.html).
- **Watch your caffeine intake:** I know, coffee is \*literally\* life—but too much caffeine, especially in the afternoon, can make it even harder to fall asleep.
- **Move your body:** [Gentle and low-impact exercises](/content/blog/exercising-on-your-period/index.html) like yoga, pilates or a short walk can help reduce stress and promote better sleep.
- **Try magnesium-rich foods:** Foods like dark chocolate (yes, really), bananas and almonds contain magnesium, which can help relax your muscles and improve sleep quality.
- **Mindful wind-down:** Swap doomscrolling for a calming bedtime routine—think reading, meditation or a warm bath. Your FYP can wait ‘til morning.

## **Get Better Sleep, With Aunt Flow**

Are hormonal changes during your period preventing you from getting enough sleep? Aunt Flow can help! [Aunt Flow period products](https://shop.goauntflow.com/collections/at-home) help protect you through the whole night, so you don’t have to worry about leaks or getting up to [change your tampon](/content/blog/how-often-should-i-change-my-tampon/index.html) or pad.

### **When to Seek Help**

If period insomnia is seriously messing with your life, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider. They can help determine if there’s an underlying issue, like [PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)](/content/blog/what-to-know-about-pmdd/index.html), or suggest treatments to improve your sleep.

Periods are already enough to deal with—sleepless nights shouldn’t be part of the package. By making [a few lifestyle tweaks](/content/blog/5-period-self-care-tips/index.html), you can take back your nights and wake up feeling (at least a little) more refreshed. Sweet dreams, besties!