Sleep is an integral part of one’s overall health. Poor quality or not enough sleep can impact your daily life in many ways. In fact, it is directly linked to both physical and mental health, so adults should get at least 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. There are many factors that impact the quality and amount of sleep you get. Insomnia can occur due to poor diet, lack of exercise, unmanaged mental health, and unhealthy sleep hygiene. You may wonder, can birth control cause insomnia? Below, you will find helpful information about the connection between sleep and birth control.
Can Birth Control Cause Insomnia?
Birth control is a common and popular medication for women. It is beneficial for managing reproductive health, preventing pregnancy, and regulating menstrual cycles. Despite how common and useful the medication can be, every medication has side effects. While it is rare, birth control can cause insomnia and other sleep disturbances. This may occur when you begin the medication or switch the type of birth control you are on. These sleep disturbances are often linked to hormonal changes induced by birth control.
Hormonal Changes and Birth Control
Birth control causes hormonal changes that have been linked to sleep disturbances. The medication alters two key hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These are important hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and are also key parts of the sleep-wake cycle.
Estrogen is known for promoting wakefulness. It is helpful when you wake up in the morning as it can promote a smooth transition from sleep to being awake. Still, disruptions in estrogen can impact your body’s natural circadian rhythm and cause sleep disturbances throughout the night. Progesterone aids the process of falling asleep as it promotes relaxation through a sedative effect. Thus, disruptions in progesterone can impact your ability to fall and stay asleep.
Risk Factors for Birth-Control Related Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances caused by birth control are rare. However, women sometimes experience these side effects, and they can greatly impact their daily lives. Several risk factors increase the likelihood of sleep disturbances caused by birth control. Consider the following and talk with your insomnia doctor about how to manage your sleep while taking birth control.
Individual Sensitivity
Some women have higher sensitivities to hormones. If you have a history of hormone sensitivity, you are more likely to experience sleep disturbances as a result of your birth control.
Birth Control Type
There are several methods of birth control. Common types include the pill, patch, shot, and IUD. Some methods have higher levels of estrogen than others. High levels of estrogen can increase your risk for sleep disturbances. Talk with your provider about progestin-only birth control methods.
Mental Health
Those with high levels of stress have higher levels of stress hormones in their system. Stress hormones can interact with the hormones in birth control. This can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia if not addressed.
Consult with A Sleep Specialist
If you experience sleep issues, focus on a healthy sleep hygiene routine. Consider taking a warm bath or shower, doing light stretching, or meditating before bed. Avoid screens and opt for a book if you are unable to fall asleep right away. Address any mental health issues, as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress can severely impact your sleep.
A healthy sleep routine is key to your overall well-being. If you are taking birth control and experiencing insomnia or other sleep disturbances, consult with a professional. An insomnia doctor can provide you with an effective treatment plan to address the issue. Switching your birth control method may help. However, addressing the root issue with your sleep is key. Contact the team at Sleep MD today to schedule an appointment!
