Understand the Connection: Sleep, Hormones & Energy

The importance of getting some good shut eye – how sleep affects your hormones.

Life can be a whirlwind and it’s not uncommon for us humans to juggle multiple responsibilities. But amidst all that, one thing we mustn’t neglect is sleep.

When you are a kiddo no one thinks twice about bundling you off to bed an hour early because you’re overtired. Why don’t we think that adults might need to trot off to bed a bit earlier some nights too? It really is beyond me. We ALL know how it feels to be deprived of sleep and how awful that makes us feel and how terribly we function. Sleep is the golden ticket through life’s demanding and stressful situations and it is especially important in the lead up to your period.

Sleep plays a massive role in balancing hormones and rekindling your energy and the next time you crawl under those covers, I’d love you to truly understand that you’re not just resting – you’re nurturing your body, balancing your hormones, and awakening a world of newfound energy.

Balancing Hormones: The Sleep Connection

Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone play a pivotal role in your body’s functions, and they’re tightly linked with your sleep patterns. When you catch those zzzz’s, your body gets to work restoring hormone balance. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can lead to hormone imbalances.

Hormones that are out of whack can wreak havoc on your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Those PMT symptoms or peri-related struggles? They can be significantly relieved with the right amount of rest simply because it helps to bring your hormones back in sync. Sleep really is your ally.

Hello, Energy Boost!

This, I hope, will come as no surprise: While you sleep, your body undergoes processes that recharge and replenish your energy stores.

If you’re grappling with low energy levels and that “can’t get out of bed” feeling, take a closer look at your sleep routine. A routine sends signals to your body so that it knows you are winding down for some shut eye. It gets your body used to going to sleep. Sometimes, if your routine has been interrupted, perhaps when you’ve come home late and crawled straight into bed, you can’t sleep no matter how tired you are.

Prioritising your sleep routine and getting better quality sleep as a result can do wonders for banishing fatigue and infusing you with the vitality you’ve been longing for. You really can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day. But don’t expect to feel fine and dandy after just one night’s decent sleep – you need to keep the routine going on a daily basis.

Sleep Strategies for Hormonal Harmony and Energy

Now that we understand the magic sleep can weave, let’s talk about practical steps you can take to make the most of your shut-eye.

1. Consistency is Key: Set a sleep schedule and stick to it. Your body loves routine, and a consistent sleep pattern can regulate your internal clock.
2. Create a Serene Sanctuary: Make your bedroom a haven of tranquility. Keep the lights dim, invest in a comfortable mattress, and banish screens an hour before bed to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
3. Mind What You Eat and Drink: Opt for light, easy-to-digest dinners, and steer clear of caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime.
4. Unwind Before Bed: Engage in relaxing activities like reading, gentle stretches, or a soothing bath to signal to your body that it’s time to relax.
5. Limit Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to calm your mind and prepare it for rest.

Wrapping Up

Taking charge of your health doesn’t always mean popping tablets or navigating the labyrinth of medication. Sometimes, it’s about embracing the basics that nature has gifted us, and sleep is one of its most precious gifts. If you’re on a journey to regain control over your health and well-being, consider sleep as a powerful tool in your arsenal. Disco naps, nanna naps and siestas – whatever you like to call them – are acceptable things to get involved with. If you are tired, sleep.

You can order my book Periods aren’t meant to Bloody Hurt to understand more about this. (Released in Nov 2023)

Stay well-rested and vibrant,

Gemma 💤