Polycystic Ovary Syndrom and Insomnia

[Jenny S]

Why are women who have pcos more prone to periods of insomnia and is there anything that can be done to tackle that from a hormonal standpoint?

[Dr Sarah Gilchrist]

Morning Jenny
Thanks for your question.

Certainly insomnia can be related to PCOS. Typically some of the associated feelings from having PCOS e.g. anxiety, can cause insomnia. The good news is Insomnia can be treated through certain relaxation and psychological techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and you can access this through advice from your GP or privately.

Other aspects of PCOS causing poor sleep are sleep apnea, a condition where you lose sleep due to a lack of oxygen relating to weight gain. Basically, you experience several night wakening's due to your body waking you up when your not breathing. This is treatable through some non-invasive clinical interventions that your GP can refer you too.

If you are experiencing anxiety and stress associated with having PCOS, then seek relaxation techniques that work for you e.g. yoga, mindfulness, talking therapies. You can also receive some sleep training techniques for insomnia from experienced sleep practitioners. The Sleep Charity can point you in the right direction here (thesleepcharity.org.uk)

In all cases medication should be the last port of call and not a long term solution and try more practical and relaxing strategies first. Good luck!