Drowsiness During Ovulation – Is it Normal and Tips to Deal

An increase in progesterone levels is one of the main causes for this feeling of drowsiness. Women experience more of non-REM sleep and less of REM sleep which also leads to more fatigue during the day. There is a drop in levels of other hormones too which induces drowsiness. Exhaustion is a result of a change in the regular hormones causing your battle against sleep during the day.

Causes of Drowsiness During Ovulation

Ovulation takes place in the body during the menstrual cycle. Depending on the regularity and cycle’s length, ovulation varies.

Here are a few causes of drowsiness during ovulation,

1. Estrogen Hormone

During ovulation, the female body produces high levels of Estrogen, a hormone. After the part played by Estrogen during ovulation, the levels drop. Thereby, there is drowsiness and fatigue. Before menstruation, Estrogen levels rise hence the dizziness in you. Exactly before ovulation, dizziness may strike your body. The internal body temperature is slightly higher during the cycle and creates an additional feeling of restlessness.

2. Progesterone Hormone

When the hormone Progesterone is released almost after ovulation, the levels increase and cause sleepiness. There are some women who feel energized as opposed to women who feel drowsy or sleepy. These mood fluctuations make you want to stay in bed all day long. Progesterone is also known as a relieving or a mild sedative hormone.

3. Lack of Night Sleep

The hormonal upheavals leave the body in a sort of excitement which interferes with night sleep and leads to insomnia. Lack of proper sleep at nights can throw the day routine for a toss and leads to fatigue and day time sleepiness.

4. Blood Volume

As per the research study published by the National Library of Medicine, ovarian blood volume increases during ovulation. A change in blood volume in the body causes drowsiness too. Women who suffer from anemia feel dizzy. Low blood count affects oxygen levels causing lightheadedness and drowsiness.

Symptoms of Drowsiness During Ovulation

Ovulation is a time when your body undergoes some changes that get noticed by you. Sometimes, your body temperature changes, which may be a sign of ovulation. You may not realize this rise in basal body temperature. Once you keep a check on the temperature over the upcoming months, you can get accustomed to the changes and emerging patterns. There are those who do not experience any such change too.

Signs and symptoms of drowsiness during ovulation include

• Lack of sleep at night
• Lethargy and fatigue during the day.
• Lack of appetite

It is not definitive that all women will experience all these signs and symptoms. Ovulation occurs once during your menstrual cycle and sometimes twice a month. A month may even go by without you experiencing any particular change in the body but it does not eliminate the possibility of ovulation. Also, symptoms may change with each menstrual cycle too and symptoms of one ovulation cycle may not match with the other.

[Read : Ovulation More Than Once In A Month Or Cycle- Is It Possible?]

Top Tips to Manage Drowsiness During Ovulation

Feeling sleepy and tired during ovulation is extremely common. The hormone progesterone acts as a depressant and energy levels are low and so is your mood. There are some tips to ease yourself during the ovulation period.

1. Eat Healthy

Inculcate a balanced diet in your daily routine of food intake. Take lots of antioxidants in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits.

2. Stay Hydrated

 Drinking plenty of water and fluids, especially during summer. This will maintain the electrolyte balance in your body which in turn will influence the blood volume

3. Maintain Sleep Hygiene

Having a proper sleep routine will help you go to sleep at the same time every day and you may be able to sleep better which can help combat daytime drowsiness to a certain extent. Taking frequent naps during the day makes up for sleep lost during the night

4. Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Get plenty of sun. This will also help with your body’s circadian rhythm and help you sleep well at night. Reduce your intake of caffeine, salt, and sugar. Exercising regularly will also help.

[Read : Diet and Lifestyle Changes When Trying to Conceive]

When to Consult a Doctor?

Women having regular menstrual cycles ovulate each month. There are some women who do not ovulate regularly and those with hormonal conditions do not ovulate at all. You can check with your doctor and take a medical test to ensure that you are ovulating. A blood test checks the level of Progesterone indicating ovulation.

Generally, ovulation happens in the middle of your menstrual cycle. In case you have a 28-day cycle, then ovulation may occur on day 14. Normally you may feel drowsy or dizzy during ovulation. Sometimes signs or issues keep occurring midway in a menstrual cycle.

Medical care should be reached for when

• There is severe abdominal pain lasting for several days
• Bleeding occurs in the vagina
• Fever and tiredness
• You have trouble sleeping or feel extreme fatigue

Drowsiness during ovulation is normal and it will usually settle once the ovulation process is complete. With a few lifestyle changes, you can combat the discomfort associated with this sleepiness and fatigue. However, if these symptoms are too much to handle, you can always consult a doctor. There may be some other underlying condition that is causing these symptoms.

FAQ’s

1. Can Ovulation Cause Sleeplessness?

Yes, ovulation can cause sleeplessness, especially at night. The hormonal disturbances can send the body into overdrive and overactivity levels resulting in lack of proper sleep at night. This in turn can lead to excessive sleepiness and fatigue during the day.

2. How Can I Stop Ovulation Fatigue?

Have balanced meals and stay hydrated. Follow proper sleep routine. Avoid caffeine at least 4 or 5 hours before bedtime. Avoid screens at least 2 hours prior. Try to take day naps if you can.