As a woman, I've often wondered why my sleep patterns seem to be affected by my hormones. It turns out that hormonal fluctuations throughout our menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can significantly impact our sleep quality. For instance, during the premenstrual phase, we may experience insomnia due to a drop in progesterone levels. On the other hand, high levels of estrogen during pregnancy can cause excessive sleepiness. It's essential for us to recognize these hormonal influences on our sleep and find ways to manage them for a better night's rest.