N
The Daily Horizon

Does estrogen cause insomnia?

Author

Jessica Wood

Updated on January 08, 2026

Insomnia is associated with many health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are involved in a variety of processes that regulate sleep. Fluctuating levels during menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause can cause insomnia.

Does estrogen keep you awake?

"When we look at studies of estrogen on sleep in menopausal women, estrogen usually improves the quality of sleep, reduces time to fall asleep, and increases the amount of REM sleep. Sleep lab studies also indicate estrogen reduces the number of times a patient awakens and may improve cognitive function," says Trupin.

Which hormone is responsible for insomnia?

Melatonin, released by the pineal gland , controls your sleep patterns. Levels increase at night time, making you feel sleepy.

Does low estrogen cause sleep problems?

Hormones. The menopausal decline of estrogen contributes to disrupted sleep by causing menopausal symptoms from hot flushes and sweats (vasomotor symptoms) to anxiety and depressed mood; anxiety leading to difficulty getting to sleep, and depression leading to non-restorative sleep and early morning wakening.

Does estrogen replacement help with sleep?

Estrogen replacement has been shown to help women fall asleep faster, reduce their nighttime awakenings, strengthen their sleep cycles, and boost REM sleep—as well as improving cognitive function.

Angela Answers: Are hormones ruining your sleep?

Should estrogen be taken in the morning or at night?

Adults—One capsule once a day, in the evening. Each capsule contains 1 milligram (mg) estradiol and 100 mg progesterone. Children—Use is not recommended.

What causes female insomnia?

Many women have sleep problems initiated by the general causes of insomnia, such as sleep disorders, mental health conditions, poor sleep habits, circadian rhythm disorders, and coexisting medical problems.

How do you treat hormonal insomnia?

The main treatment for menopause-related insomnia is hormone therapy. This works by replacing the lost hormones, which can improve many menopause symptoms. People may find that they sleep better and experience fewer hot flashes while using this treatment.

What female hormone helps with sleep?

Melatonin is a sleep-inducing hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. During the day, sunlight prevents your body from producing melatonin, helping to keep you awake.

What happens when your estrogen is too low?

Low estrogen can affect your body in various ways, depending on where you are in terms of your sexual development. Low estrogen: May delay puberty, slow or prevent sexual development. Occurs in perimenopause and menopause, often leading to painful sex, lower sexual desire and hot flashes.

Why can I not sleep at night all of a sudden?

Insomnia, the inability to get to sleep or sleep well at night, can be caused by stress, jet lag, a health condition, the medications you take, or even the amount of coffee you drink. Insomnia can also be caused by other sleep disorders or mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

How can I increase my sleeping hormones?

Here's our process.

  1. A good night's sleep is just as important as regular exercise and a healthy diet. ...
  2. Increase bright light exposure during the day. ...
  3. Reduce blue light exposure in the evening. ...
  4. Don't consume caffeine late in the day. ...
  5. Reduce irregular or long daytime naps. ...
  6. Try to sleep and wake at consistent times.

What hormone wakes you up in the morning?

All About the Cortisol Rhythm

The rise and fall of this stress hormone is crucial for helping you fall asleep by your target bedtime, stay asleep throughout the night, and wake up in the morning. In the early morning, your body's cortisol production naturally surges and transitions you into wakefulness.

What time of day is best to take estrogen?

Dosing

  • Adults—One capsule once a day, in the evening. Each capsule contains 1 milligram (mg) estradiol and 100 mg progesterone.
  • Children—Use is not recommended.

Can estradiol affect sleep?

For women with menopause-associated depression, improvement in depression is predicted by improved sleep, and among perimenopausal women, by increasing estradiol levels. These results suggest that changes in estradiol and sleep quality, rather than hot flashes, mediate depression during the menopause transition.

Does estrogen or progesterone help you sleep?

Establishing progesterone balance can quickly lead to normal and refreshing sleep again. Some women report improvements after only two doses. Progesterone is known as Mother Nature's valium because it provides calmness and relaxation. It can be administered orally, vaginally or through a cream applied on your skin.

Does menopause insomnia go away?

Many people will experience bouts of insomnia from time to time, but menopause-related insomnia can last for weeks and months if not properly treated. If you're experiencing insomnia, you talk with your doctor to discuss your options.

Can too much progesterone cause sleeplessness?

By the third trimester, progesterone and estrogen levels even out. But by then, other factors, like frequent urination, restless leg syndrome, and difficulty breathing, can make it hard to get a solid night's sleep.

What foods should be avoided with insomnia?

Five worst foods for sleep

  • Chocolate. High levels of caffeine in chocolate make it a poor choice for late-night snacking. ...
  • Cheese. While cheese is generally considered a comfort food, it is actually one of the worst foods to eat before bed. ...
  • Curry. ...
  • Ice cream. ...
  • Crisps. ...
  • Cherries. ...
  • Raw honey. ...
  • Bananas.

What can I take for menopause insomnia?

7 Natural Supplements That Can Help With Sleep and Menopause

  • Melatonin: the go-to sleep hormone. ...
  • L-Theanine: the 'wakeful relaxation' enhancer. ...
  • Magnesium: the vital-for-sleep-and-everything-else mineral. ...
  • 5-HTP: the mood-and-sleep hormone elevator. ...
  • CBD: the calming, sleep-promoting pain reliever.

Can hormonal changes cause insomnia?

Sleeping problems are common in America, with up to 35% of adults reporting symptoms consistent with insomnia. Women are more likely to experience poor sleep1 than men, and one likely cause is hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle.

Why can't I sleep even though I'm tired?

If you're tired but can't sleep, it may be a sign that your circadian rhythm is off. However, being tired all day and awake at night can also be caused by poor napping habits, anxiety, depression, caffeine consumption, blue light from devices, sleep disorders, and even diet.

What hormones affect sleep?

Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that's associated with the body's sleep-wake cycle. It helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, so you can fall — and stay — asleep. Disrupted or poor sleep can have impacts on melatonin and its role in promoting sleep in the brain.

Does taking estrogen make you tired?

Fatigue

Unfortunately, estrogen dominance can cause fatigue. This symptom can occur whether or not you have insomnia. If you experience persistent tiredness or feel more drained of energy than usual, talk to your doctor about being tested for hormonal issues.

Can HRT cure insomnia?

Since many of the physiological changes that occur during menopause result from decreased levels of estrogen, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has historically been considered a first-line treatment for menopausal insomnia.