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A population‐based survey on the influence of the menstrual cycle and the use of hormonal contraceptives on sleep patterns in São Paulo, Brazil
Author(s) -
Hachul Helena,
Andersen Monica L.,
Bittencourt Lia,
SantosSilva Rogério,
Tufik Sergio
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.08.020
Subject(s) - medicine , luteal phase , menstrual cycle , follicular phase , population , hormone , polysomnography , hormonal contraception , physiology , gynecology , obstetrics , apnea , endocrinology , family planning , research methodology , environmental health
Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of the phases of the menstrual cycle and the use of hormonal contraception on sleep patterns in a population‐based study. Methods In a prospective study carried out among premenopausal women between July and December 2007, a 3‐stage cluster sampling was used to ensure accurate representation of the general population of São Paulo, Brazil. Questionnaires were administered, hormonal assays were performed, and full‐night polysomnography was recorded. Results The study sample included 297 premenopausal women. Women in the follicular phase complained of fatigue more than those in the luteal phase and those using hormonal contraceptive treatment. Premenopausal women using hormonal contraceptives had a significantly lower apnea–hypopnea index (1.1 ± 2.0) compared with women in both the follicular (2.2 ± 4.5) and the luteal (2.9 ± 5.4) phases ( P = 0.01). Women taking hormonal contraceptives tended to have increased sleep efficiency compared with women in either the follicular or luteal phases. Conclusion The use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with a lower apnea–hypopnea index and a trend toward improved sleep efficiency. The current findings suggest that the use of hormonal contraceptives has a stronger association with sleep duration compared with menstrual cycle phase.