Investigating how night shift work affects women's health during their menstrual cycle

The Effects of Night Shift Work on Health Across the Menstrual Cycle: a Pilot Study

NA · Uppsala University · NCT06683248

This study tests how working night shifts and lack of sleep affects the health of young women during different stages of their menstrual cycle.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUppsala University (other)
Locations1 site (Uppsala, Uppsala County)
Trial IDNCT06683248 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the impact of sleep deprivation on the health of women across different phases of their menstrual cycle. It focuses on healthy young women who do not use hormonal contraceptives, aiming to fill the knowledge gap regarding how hormonal fluctuations influence responses to sleep deprivation. Participants will experience both sleep and wake conditions to assess the effects on brain health and metabolism. The study is particularly interested in the role of estrogen, a hormone that may protect against neurodegenerative conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young women with regular menstrual cycles who do not use hormonal contraceptives.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases, those who use hormonal contraceptives, or individuals with regular nicotine or excessive alcohol consumption may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health strategies for women working night shifts, potentially reducing risks associated with sleep deprivation.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored sleep deprivation and its effects on health, this specific focus on women’s hormonal cycles is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of hormonal contraceptives
* Chronic disease
* Regular use of nicotine
* Use of medication
* Consumes excessive amounts of alcohol or coffee

Where this trial is running

Uppsala, Uppsala County

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Sleep Deprivation, Menstrual Cycle, Brain Health, Metabolism, Microbiota, Immune System, Estrogen

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.