From the Research
Birth control can cause insomnia in some women, particularly those using certain types of hormonal contraceptives, such as the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device or the vaginal ring with etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol, as evidenced by a recent study published in 2023 1. The relationship between hormonal contraceptives and sleep patterns is complex, with different products having varying effects on insomnia.
- Some hormonal contraceptives, like the fixed combination of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol, or cyproterone and ethinylestradiol, may actually decrease the odds of insomnia, as found in the same 2023 study 1.
- In contrast, other products, such as the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device or the vaginal ring with etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol, may increase the risk of insomnia.
- The effects of hormonal contraceptives on sleep patterns may also depend on the age of the user, with younger women (aged 34 or younger) being more likely to experience insomnia, as reported in the 2023 study 1.
- Other studies, such as those published in 2020 2 and 2022 3, have also investigated the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and sleep patterns, but the 2023 study 1 provides the most recent and highest-quality evidence on this topic. It is essential for women experiencing insomnia while using birth control to consult their healthcare provider about switching to a different formulation or type of contraception, as different hormone levels or delivery methods may reduce these side effects while still providing effective pregnancy prevention.