A surprising set of findings has implicated the “happy hormone” dopamine as having a central role in our brains' switch into rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, the part of our sleep cycle during which we dream.
Specifically, increases in progesterone during a woman's premenstrual phase, also known as the luteal phase that occurs after ovulation and before your period, could be the culprit of these dreams, Dr. Sharkey said, referencing a study she and other doctors published in 2014.
A large body of research shows a connection between the premenstrual — or luteal — phase and increased sleep disorders, such as insomnia. While the connection is not totally clear, experts believe vivid dreams may be one of the side effects of hormonal fluctuations.
Estrogen hormone
Its level fluctuates during the female menstrual cycle and has a side effect on sleep quality, generating vivid dreams or nightmares. In addition, the symptoms such as hot flushes during the night disturb your sleep, and mood swings may cause difficulty unwinding before bed.
But during REM sleep, the thalamus is active, sending the cortex images, sounds, and other sensations that fill our dreams. The pineal gland, located within the brain's two hemispheres, receives signals from the SCN and increases production of the hormone melatonin, which helps put you to sleep once the lights go down.
Dopamine is a very important molecule that works all over your brain. Experts believe that the damage to brain cells that release dopamine can occur in the areas of the brain that control sleep. Damage to these areas is thought to cause vivid dreams.
Researchers found that increased levels of dopamine in an important part of the brain helped mice make the transition from non-rapid eye movement, or NREM, to REM sleep, the portion of the night where your dreams typically happen.
Signs and symptoms of high estrogen levels in women
In females, having too much estrogen may cause: weight gain, especially around the hips and waist. heavy or light periods. worse PMS than usual.
In men, high estrogen can show up as poor sperm quality, breast enlargement, and erectile dysfunction. In women, the main symptoms can include: premenstrual moodiness, breast tenderness, heavy menstruation, and fibroids or polyps.
Consistent stress and anxiety can lead to a pattern of vivid dreaming. To reduce stress, aim to create a healthy work-life balance, commit to consistent exercise, seek out a supportive community, and consider seeking out therapy if problems with stress and anxiety persist.
Many things, such as sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption, can cause vivid dreams. Certain sleep disorders may also make vivid dreams more likely. People tend to spend about 2 hours each night dreaming. Sleep and dreams are complex and remain a mystery to scientists.
Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Vitamin B6 actually affects our subconscious as much as our conscious self by having an impact on how we dream.
Changing hormones may also contribute to altered sleep patterns during pregnancy. Not only do hormones cause a flux of emotions during the day, but some researchers also theorize that the increase in vivid, detailed dreams may be linked with higher levels of progesterone.
Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. This can give you a feeling of warmth (hot flash). Your face may look flushed.
As estrogen levels drastically change in perimenopause, high levels can cause bloating, breast tenderness, and heavy bleeding. Once these levels become more consistently low, that can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, changes in fat distribution (new or growing “spare tire”), insomnia, and fatigue.
Your body needs estrogen for your reproductive, cardiovascular and bone health. Too much estrogen, though, can cause irregular periods and may worsen conditions that affect your reproductive health. Your provider can help diagnose what's causing your high estrogen levels and recommend treatments that can help.
Blood tests – At-home estrogen blood tests are quick and easy. You just need to prick your finger and collect a small blood sample in a vial. After that, you can send your sample to a lab for testing. Urine tests – Estrogen tests that use urine take a little longer to administer.
There is evidence to suggest that certain supplements can help to correct hormone imbalance and reduce high estrogen counts. These include iodine, magnesium, and vitamin D. It may also help to take broccoli extract, or diindolylmethane (DIM).
Dreaming is unlikely to be driven by a specific chemical or brain region. It is most likely related to a complex neurochemical mixture where serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine are absent while both acetylcholine and dopamine are present [13, 155].
Low dopamine symptoms can include a lack of enthusiasm for things you usually enjoy and are interested in. Plus, having low dopamine may have a low sex drive. You may also experience physical troubles such as insomnia, tremors, muscle spasms, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
SSRIs make more serotonin available in the brain. While this may improve mood, it can also affect your sleep and have a strong effect on dreams. Some SSRIs, like sertraline, can cause dreams to be more intense. And fluoxetine increases the chance that you'll remember your nightmares.