Exploring alterations in sleep-related physiological and psychological outcomes across the menstrual cycle in young, healthy women without sleep disorders: a US-based pilot study protocol.

INTRODUCTION

Research suggests that hormonal fluctuations may contribute to sleep-related physiological and psychological outcomes that differentially affect women's overall health and well-being. Yet, systematic enquiries on this potential interaction across the menstrual cycle are scant.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This protocol paper describes a pilot observational study investigating changes in objective and subjective sleep measures, metabolic biomarkers (body temperature, blood glucose and hormonal concentrations) and psychological outcomes (depressive symptoms, menstrual cycle-related pain and psychological distress), in a cohort of healthy premenopausal women aged 18-35, regularly menstruating, and without sleep disorders. Participants' sleep is monitored every night over the course of two full menstrual cycles using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved diagnostic ring from SleepImage and via next morning self-reports (ie, sleep diaries). To minimise the likelihood of undiagnosed sleep disorders, participants also complete two nights of at-home polysomnography. Daily hormonal concentrations are assessed via morning urinalysis using the Mira Fertility Monitor while transitions between hormonal phases are further confirmed by biochemical assays. Body temperature, blood glucose concentrations, diet and physical activity behaviours are continuously recorded using wearable devices and smartphone apps from Oura and Levels. The primary outcomes of this study are total sleep time and sleep quality. Secondary outcomes include sleep onset latency, wakefulness after sleep onset, sleep staging, daytime sleepiness, respiratory rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability and subjective mood. This study will provide novel data to disentangle the intricate relationship between sleep behaviours, mental well-being and menstrual health in premenopausal women.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Parker University (protocol number PUIRB-2025-3). Study findings will be presented in peer-reviewed publications and at academic conferences.