Progesterone and Sleep: Your Body’s Natural Calming Hormone

What Is Progesterone, and What Does It Do?

Each month, following ovulation, the ovaries generate progesterone, which is a type of steroid hormone. This promotes:

• Readying the uterus for conception

• Soothing the nervous system

• Boosting cognitive function and emotional well-being

• Improving sleep quality

In the early stages of pregnancy, many women experience significant fatigue due to heightened levels of progesterone. However, when levels decrease, such as prior to your menstrual cycle or following menopause, the quality of sleep often suffers.

 How Progesterone Supports Sleep

Progesterone contributes to fostering a state of restful sleep in the body. It operates efficiently, offers a delightful experience, and is sourced from nature. This is how it operates:

• Boosts GABA activity: GABA facilitates a sense of calm. Progesterone boosts the calming effects of GABA.

• Eases anxiety: Progesterone calms racing thoughts and restlessness by regulating the nervous system.

• Helps regulate body temperature: Setting the right temperature enhances sleep quality.

• Boosts your body's natural cycle for rest and alertness: It aids in the regulation of hormones that govern sleep and wakefulness.

What Happens When Progesterone Is Low?

Low progesterone levels, which can result from missed ovulation, stress, or perimenopause, may lead to challenges in both initiating sleep and maintaining it throughout the night. Typical signs include:

• Difficulty staying asleep during the night or frequent interruptions

• Episodes of night sweats and hot flashes

• Feelings of anxiety or discomfort during the night

• Fluctuations in mood or heightened irritability

• Absence of refreshment after sleep

Regularly encountering these issues prior to your period may suggest imbalances in your progesterone levels.

What Can Lower Progesterone?

Several factors may contribute to a decrease in progesterone levels:

• Prolonged stress (cortisol requires progesterone for its production); • Anovulatory cycles: In the absence of ovulation, the corpus luteum is not formed, resulting in a lack of progesterone.

• Menopause or perimenopause, excessive activity or insufficient caloric intake, or thyroid issues

How to Naturally Support Progesterone and Sleep

It is advisable to avoid taking sleep aids right away. Instead, prioritize your hormones initially:

• Focus on ovulation: To enhance your body's monthly ovulation, ensure you get adequate sleep, maintain a nutritious diet, and effectively manage stress.

• Foods that can enhance progesterone levels consist of leafy greens, magnesium-rich items, and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados.

• Diminish blue light exposure in the evening: Devices hinder the interaction between melatonin and progesterone.

• To promote relaxation, consider engaging in gentle yoga, practicing meditation, or enjoying a warm bath.

• Discover the benefits of bioidentical progesterone: Your healthcare provider might suggest it if your symptoms are particularly intense.

Bottom Line

Hormones have the ability to affect sleep patterns as well as behaviours. Utilizing progesterone can foster a sense of calm in both your body and mind, helping to steady your nerves.

If you're having difficulty getting a good night's sleep, it may be your body's way of indicating a need for more progesterone.

Pay attention to it and engage with it, allowing yourself to experience peaceful slumber and welcome the day with happiness.