Dados do Trabalho

Título

Effects of Oral Contraceptive Use Timing on Women's Sleep

Introdução

Complaints of insomnia are prominent among women, directly affecting their quality of life. Previous research has associated the use of contraceptive pills with poor sleep quality and insomnia symptoms. Contraceptive use timing might contribute to the effects of contraceptives on sleep.

Objetivo

To evaluate effects of oral contraceptive use timing on women's sleep quality.

Métodos

Women aged 18 years and older who regularly used contraceptive pills were invited to complete a survey including socio-demographic data, self-reported chronotype and sleep-related questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Insomnia Severity Index). This survey was disseminated through emails and social media. Exclusion criteria were: not using pills regularly, working night shifts, breastfeeding, using medications that interfere with sleep, having psychiatric disorders or uncontrolled clinical conditions and/or cancer. Three groups were created based on contraceptive use timing: morning (4am-10am), lunchtime (11am-2pm) and evening (7pm-1am). Categorical data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and continuous data using the General Linear Model. Statistical tests were conducted using Jamovi, with significance at p<0.05.

Resultados

The survey had 705 participants, with 439 meeting the inclusion criteria. Regarding contraceptive use timing, 71 participants took it in the morning; 54 around lunchtime; and 321 in the evening. The mean of age of this sample was 26.17±6.68 years. The sample was predominantly single, white, with high school education, earning 4 to 5 minimum wages, with a Body Mass Index classified as "normal weight" and using combined contraceptives (n=393). There were no statistically significant differences related to demographic characteristics and the timing of contraceptive ingestion. The majority of the sample consisted of women with an intermediate chronotype, normal insomnia symptoms, normal daytime sleepiness, and poor sleep quality. No significant effect of the timing of contraceptive use was observed on chronotype (p=0.06), insomnia level (p=0.361), sleepiness (p=0.085), or sleep quality (p=0.98).

Conclusões

This study showed no significant differences in sleep related to contraceptive pills using time. Observational studies have limitations, such as subjective assessments from participants. However, the research in this health field is valuable due to the gap in the scientific literature related to the topic.

Palavras -chave

Contraceptive; Sleep; Insomnia; Menstruation; Hormones.