Ever feel like you could sleep for a week straight when you're on your period? You're not imagining it—there's actually a reason you feel extra exhausted.

Why Your Period Makes You Extra Sleepy

It's totally normal to feel more tired during your period as your estrogen levels drop. And if you have heavier bleeding, that fatigue can hit even harder.

Now, what counts as "heavy bleeding" can look different for everyone, but here are some signs your flow is on the heavier side:

• You need to use a tampon and a backup pad together
• You're waking up in the middle of the night to change your product
• You're bleeding for more than a week
• You're seeing large blood clots
• Your period is affecting your ability to do regular activities (like going to school, work, or hanging out with friends)

If any of this sounds familiar, you're dealing with heavy flow—and that can definitely drain your energy.

What Actually Helps

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also eat water-rich foods like watermelon 🍉 and cucumbers 🥒 to help keep your hydration levels up. When you're losing more blood, your body needs extra fluids.

Listen to your body

If you need to rest, rest. There's no award for pushing through exhaustion—sometimes your body just needs a break.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Most of the time, feeling tired during your period is normal and your energy should bounce back within a few days after it ends. But you should definitely check in with a doctor if:

• Your energy levels don't return to normal within a few days after your period
• You're unable to participate in your typical routine
• The fatigue is getting worse or feels different from usual

Your doctor can rule out underlying issues like iron deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism, all of which can cause fatigue and are worth checking out.

Remember, feeling tired on your period is super common, but you shouldn't have to feel wiped out all the time. If something feels off, trust your gut and get it checked. 🫶