Feeling more tired than usual? Can’t sleep at all? Wondering if it’s a side effect from the pill? Insomnia, tiredness and fatigue aren’t common side effects of contraceptive pills, but that doesn’t mean they’re not possible. Hormonal changes can impact how you sleep, and hormonal contraception alters the hormone levels in your body throughout your cycle.
There are two types of hormonal contraceptive pills and they can affect people differently. A combined pill contains oestrogen and a progestogen, and mini-pills (also known as progestogen-only pills) contain – you guessed it – only progestogen. Hana® is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill that contains the active ingredient desogestrel.
Now, let’s get one thing straight: while insomnia isn’t explicitly listed as a known side effect for either pill type, tiredness and fatigue are possible side effects from the pill. If you’re wrestling with sleep issues that you suspect might be linked to your daily contraceptive – or if you’re concerned about potential sleep disruptions as you start to use a daily contraceptive pill – keep reading.
Does the pill cause insomnia?
Insomnia is not thought to be a side effect of the pill. However, if you’re struggling with sleeplessness and suspect a connection to your pill use, it’s wise to have a chat with your GP or pharmacist.
If you started taking the pill recently, it’s also important to think about other lifestyle factors and changes that may have occurred around the time you started taking the pill, such as stress or changes to your routine.
Does the pill make you tired?
Tiredness is an uncommon side effect of Hana®, this means it affects 1 in 100 people who use it. However, some of the more common side effects of starting new medication could potentially be tiring to deal with initially. If you feel this might be the case for you, it could help to speak to your GP about ways of dealing with those side effects.
Can progesterone make you tired?
Yes, there are links between progesterone and sleep. Progesterone is responsible for preparing the uterine lining for an egg to implant and grow, and it’s normal to feel a little extra tired after ovulating when progesterone levels in your body are at their highest (this would be roughly week 3 of a 4-week cycle).
However, desogestrel is a synthetic progestogen designed to be used as a contraceptive and it is not identical to the progesterone that your body produces. Progestogens affect the body’s progesterone receptors but carry out their own specific functions. In desogestrel’s case, these are stopping ovulation and thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm from reaching the egg. Desogestrel does still carry some side effects, but the risk of tiredness and fatigue is low. It may affect up to 1 in 100 people
What can you do about sleep problems caused by the pill?
If you want help getting more sleep or to combat fatigue caused by birth control, you do have a few options.
Making sure that you’re getting enough exercise, water and food are very important and could help you to stay healthy and deal with the effects of any sleeping problems caused by the pill. Going outside to see some (indirect) morning sunlight can also help you feel more energised throughout the day, as can managing stress and listening to your body so you’re not pushing yourself too hard.
You could consider what time you take the pill and whether that plays a role. If you take your daily contraceptive pill in the morning and feel exhausted all day, you could consider switching to taking it at night. If you take it in the evening and you’ve been struggling to sleep, maybe take it in the morning instead. As the pill is most effective when taken at the same time every day, you should use a barrier method of contraception if you have sex during the first 7 days of this change.
If the symptoms you experience while taking the pill carry on for several weeks after you begin taking it, it could be a good idea to speak to your GP about it. They may recommend switching to a different method of contraception.
If you need to know more about side effects from the Hana® or want to know more about what time you should take the pill, check out our Ask Hana® section where we answer all of your questions about the progestogen-only pill. You can also visit our blog for features on sex, family planning, and much more.
Hana® 75µg film-coated tablets contains desogestrel and is an oral contraception for women of child bearing age to prevent pregnancy. Always read the instructions on the package leaflet carefully.
