Endocrine Society

Increased oxytocin levels may mitigate negative mood from fragmented sleep during hormonal shifts in women

July 24, 2025

When oxytocin levels rose in sleep-disrupted women experiencing hormonal changes, mood disturbance was reduced the next day, according to a small simulation trial presented at the Endocrine Society’s 2025 annual meeting.

Study details. Healthy premenopausal (N=38) underwent 5-night inpatient stays, first during their natural hormonal state, and again after estradiol was suppressed. Following 2 nights of sleep without interruption, sleep was fragmented to simulate patterns that are common postpartum and in menopause. Oxytocin levels and mood were assessed.

Findings. Sleep disruption led to a significant rise in oxytocin levels and increased mood disturbance. Higher oxytocin levels prior to sleep disruption were associated with reduced mood disturbance the next day. Increased incidence of mood disturbance from fragmented sleep was also associated with higher oxytocin levels the next day.

Source:

(2025, July 12). Endocrine Society. Oxytocin may reduce mood changes in women with disrupted sleep [News release]. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/endo-annual-meeting/endo-2025-press-releases/gonsalvez-press-release