The Highlight Issue 12 'Brighter Days Ahead'

Insomnia is inconsistent, low-quality sleep occurring multiple times a week. Insomniacs will likely get less than four hours per night. “Light, sound, partners and smells can all affect our sleep quality,” Dr Ramlakhan says. “Your bedroom should be cool and well-ventilated – walking into it should feel calming and peaceful.” But quality sleep may still be beyond your control. Dr Ramlakhan confirms: “Insomnia is more common in women than men due to various reasons, including psychological and social, as well as physiological and hormonal.” Many experts acknowledge a link between hormones and low-quality sleep. “The two main female hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone, and it helps control a woman’s menstrual cycle.” “Leading up to our period, some women experience physical and emotional changes alongside shifts in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, also go up and down. For many, these changes are mild. But for others, they are disruptive and lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and sleep disturbances.” To improve sleep quality during your menstrual cycle, Dr Ramlakhan advises: “The key is to INSOMNIA MENSTRUATION INSIDE OUT