Estrogen is a hormone that plays a vital role in female fertility and overall health. It regulates various body processes such as menstruation, bone density, libido, and mood.

However, fluctuating levels of estrogen can lead to different health problems, including sleep disturbances. In this article, we will discuss ways to spot low estrogen levels through sleep patterns.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a group of female sex hormones produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. It comes in three different forms: estrone, estradiol, and estriol.

Estradiol is the most potent and the most prevalent form of estrogen in females, and it is responsible for most of the hormone’s actions in the body.

How does Estrogen Affect Sleep?

Estrogen levels affect many physiological processes in the body, including sleep. Low levels of estrogen can lead to sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking up at night, and waking up too early in the morning.

It can also cause hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms that can disrupt sleep. On the other hand, high levels of estrogen can also cause sleep problems such as fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

Ways to Spot Low Estrogen Levels through Sleep Patterns

Here are ways to spot if you have low estrogen levels based on your sleep patterns:.

1. Difficulty Falling Asleep

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it could be a sign of low estrogen levels. Estrogen helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and changes in its levels can affect your ability to fall asleep.

Low levels of estrogen can cause insomnia, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. If you’re experiencing difficulty falling asleep, it’s essential to check your estrogen levels and make lifestyle changes to promote healthy sleep.

2. Waking Up at Night

Another sign of low estrogen levels is waking up frequently at night. When estrogen levels are low, it can trigger hot flashes or night sweats, which can wake you up from sleep.

These episodes can occur several times a night, interfering with the quality of your sleep. Additionally, low estrogen levels can also make you more sensitive to outside noise and light, increasing the likelihood of waking up at night.

3. Waking Up Too Early in the Morning

If you find yourself waking up too early in the morning and struggling to fall back to sleep, it could be a sign of low estrogen levels. Low estrogen can affect the quality of deep sleep, leaving you feeling restless in the morning.

Additionally, it can cause a rise in cortisol, the stress hormone, which can trigger early waking. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to see your doctor and get your estrogen levels checked.

4. Changes in Sleep Duration

Low estrogen levels can also affect your sleep duration. Estrogen helps regulate the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall asleep. When estrogen levels are low, your body produces less melatonin, which can shorten your sleep duration.

It can also affect the quality of your sleep, leaving you feeling tired and unrested. Alternatively, high estrogen levels can also cause changes in sleep duration, causing you to oversleep or feel fatigued during the day.

5. Changes in Sleep Quality

Changes in estrogen levels can also affect the quality of your sleep. Low estrogen can cause sleep disturbances such as snoring, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, which can interfere with the quality of your sleep.

It can also cause mood changes, depression, and anxiety, which can affect your sleep quality. If you’re experiencing changes in sleep quality, it’s essential to see your doctor and get your estrogen levels checked.

6. Sleepiness during the Day

Estrogen levels can also affect your daytime energy levels. Low levels of estrogen can cause daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and poor concentration. It can also make it harder to stay awake during the day, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

On the other hand, high estrogen levels can also cause fatigue and lethargy, leading to a lack of motivation and productivity.

7. Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Low levels of estrogen can increase the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the airways become blocked, causing the sound of vibration.

Sleep apnea is a more severe form of snoring, where the airways become completely blocked, causing you to stop breathing for short periods. Both conditions can lower the quality of your sleep, leading to daytime tiredness and fatigue. If you’re experiencing snoring or sleep apnea, it’s important to see your doctor and get your estrogen levels checked.

8. Feeling Cold During Sleep

Low estrogen levels can also cause you to feel cold during sleep. Estrogen helps regulate body temperature, and changes in its levels can affect your ability to stay warm at night.

Low levels of estrogen can cause cold chills, especially in the hands and feet, making it harder to fall asleep. If you’re experiencing cold chills during sleep, it’s essential to check your estrogen levels and stay warm at night.

9. Changes in Libido

Estrogen levels also affect libido, and changes in its levels can affect your sex drive. Low estrogen levels can cause a decrease in libido, vaginal dryness, and pain during sex.

It can also lead to mood changes and depression, affecting your sexual desire. On the other hand, high estrogen levels can also cause changes in libido, leading to increased sexual desire or a lack of interest in sex.

10. Mood Changes

Estrogen levels affect your mood, and changes in its levels can cause mood changes such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. Low estrogen levels can cause mood swings, increased stress, and difficulty managing emotions.

It can also cause depression, affecting your sleep quality and overall health. On the other hand, high estrogen levels can also cause mood changes such as anxiety, irritability, and poor concentration.

Conclusion

Estrogen plays a vital role in female health, including sleep. Low estrogen levels can cause sleep disturbances such as insomnia, frequent waking up at night, and waking up too early in the morning.

If you’re experiencing changes in your sleep patterns, it’s essential to see your doctor and get your estrogen levels checked. Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as practicing good sleep hygiene and managing stress can help promote healthy sleep.