Sleeping badly because of the pill? It's possible!

Are you having trouble sleeping because of the pill ? You're not alone.
It's a topic that is often avoided, since contraceptives are still somewhat taboo . But contraception can definitely affect your sleep pattern.

Can the pill make you sleep worse?

Hormonal contraceptives can affect your body temperature . An increased body temperature will make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep. This effect is especially noticeable in women who use birth control pills with a high dose of synthetic progesterone . So be sure to check the package insert of your pill.

Can the pill make you very tired?

Yes, it certainly can. Many women notice that they feel more tired since starting the pill. This sudden dip in energy is no coincidence: hormonal contraception can disrupt your natural balance and affect your energy levels and how well (or badly) you sleep.

Do you often feel exhausted or listless? Call your GP . You don't have to keep walking around with it.

Can hormones make you sleep poorly?

The combination pill (the regular pill) contains 2 hormones (estrogen and progestogen). The mini pill, on the other hand, consists of only 1 hormone (progestogen). These hormones affect your sleep. They influence the production of melatonin , the hormone responsible for your sleep-wake rhythm. Research shows that progesterone has a calming effect on the nervous system , which can improve sleep quality. Unfortunately, the use of hormonal contraception can also disrupt this natural balance , which can lead to insomnia or reduced REM sleep.

Research on sex hormones and sleep

The RESTED study at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam investigated the influence of sex hormones on sleep and mood , with specific attention to the contraceptive pill and gender-affirming hormones. The results showed that both feminizing and masculinizing hormones have distinct, but modest, effects on sleep and mood .

“My goal with the research is that doctors and trans people in the future will have a better understanding of the effect hormones can have on sleep complaints or mood problems. This way, future users and their doctors will know better what to expect” - Margot Morssinkhof, Research Coordinator

What can you do if you think the pill is affecting your sleep?

1. Talk to your doctor
Don't keep it to yourself. Tell your GP about your sleep problems and tell them that you think it could be related to your contraception. Together you can see if it's time for a different approach.

2. Consider other forms of contraception
There are plenty of alternatives that don't contain hormones. What suits you depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Get good information from a reliable source.

3. Upgrade your evening routine
A good sleep routine really helps. By taking Deep Sleep Gummies daily, you create a moment for yourself to relax . The gummies will naturally support your night's sleep. This will make you roll out of bed in the morning with a smile.

4. Minor adjustments
Get enough exercise, eat nutritious food and try to let go of stressful thoughts . Small adjustments can make a big difference to your sleep.