Periods can mess with your sleep cycle. Cramps, bloating, mood swings - it's a recipe for a restless night. But hold up, you’ve got some control here. Let’s first break down how your period is messing with your sleep.

When your hormones start doing their thing, your body temperature and sleep patterns can go haywire. That’s because as your progesterone levels drop, it becomes harder for your body to cool down and unwind. On top of that, rising prostaglandins trigger inflammation and muscle contractions, leading to those annoying cramps. The result? Tossing and turning, waking up drenched in sweat, and feeling completely wiped out. It’s a drag, we get it.

Here are some easy ways to catch better Zs and feel more like yourself during your flow:

A comfortable bleed is key

Our Scarlet Period Boyshort is your sleep BBF. It's made of soft organic cotton, is leak-proof, and absorbs 3 tampons of flow. Yup, no stained sheets.

Create a sleep sanctuary

Ensure your room is sufficiently dark, as light directly influences your circadian rhythm and the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Avoid being too toasty - melatonin is most effective when your core temperature is lower. For a peaceful drift into sleep, try a calming meditation or podcast. We love Dreamy, soothing sleep stories told by First Nations storytellers.

Soothe those aches

Magnesium isn't just for post-workout. It's like a chill pill in a bottle. Apply one to two sprays of our Magnesium+ Spray onto your lower back and belly and massage in firm circular motions until completely absorbed into the skin. Unlike a quick fix, magnesium builds up in your body over time, so applying it every night ensures you get the most out of its calming benefits. Make it a nightly ritual to help you unwind and relax before bed.

Watch your diet

Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep quality and delay the onset of restful sleep. Try nurtur tea Sleep Tea instead. Opt for a dinner rich in high-protein foods and omega-3s while keeping carbohydrates low to support sustained energy levels and promote deeper sleep. Be sure to finish up any snacks a few hours before you hit the hay, giving your body ample time to wind down for the night.

Disconnect

Try putting away devices at least an hour before bed. Research shows that using your phone in the hour before sleep increases the likelihood of taking longer than 60 minutes to fall asleep by 48%. If you can't unplug completely, consider investing in blue-light glasses to help protect your sleep-wake cycle.