Why Do Insomnia Symptoms Occur on the First Day of Menstruation?

Most women experience mild abdominal discomfort or nipple tenderness before menstruation—common, normal physiological phenomena. However, some women may also suffer from insomnia during their menstrual period. Why does insomnia occur specifically on the first day of menstruation?

Why Insomnia Occurs on the First Day of Menstruation

Menstruation is an inevitable physiological process in women. Some women experience dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), while others may toss and turn at night, unable to fall asleep, often feeling irritable and restless. In such cases, endocrine imbalance should be considered first. During menstruation, fluctuations in female endocrine function and sex hormone levels may affect brain function, potentially leading to neurological symptoms—including insomnia.

A second contributing factor is pre-existing stress, anxiety, depression, or poor baseline sleep quality. During menstruation, women may experience transient hypotension due to hormonal shifts, which can exacerbate underlying conditions. In such cases, oral administration of neuromodulatory agents—such as oryzanol, vitamin B1, or traditional Chinese medicine formulations like Anshen Bunao Liquid (“Calming and Brain-Nourishing Decoction”)—may help regulate nervous system function and alleviate premenstrual insomnia.

If you experience insomnia before menstruation, begin by relaxing your mind—avoid excessive tension or anxiety, as these emotions themselves can trigger or worsen insomnia. Additionally, maintain balanced nutrition and healthy dietary habits: avoid smoking, alcohol, overly salty foods, and caffeine (e.g., coffee) before bedtime. Moderate physical activity may also help reduce symptoms. We hope this information proves helpful to you!