Oxytocin's Role in Mitigating Mood Changes from Sleep Disruption

San Francisco, CA — A recent study presented at the Endocrine Society's ENDO 2025 annual meeting suggests that oxytocin, commonly referred to as the 'love hormone,' may serve a protective role against mood disturbances caused by sleep disruptions and hormonal fluctuations during critical reproductive transitions such as postpartum and menopause. The research was conducted by a team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, focusing on the compounded effects of sleep interruption and estrogen suppression on mood and oxytocin levels in healthy premenopausal women.

Dr. Irene Gonsalvez, an associate psychiatrist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the findings, stating, 'We found that oxytocin levels rise in response to stress-related sleep disruption, and that women with higher oxytocin levels before disrupted sleep experienced less mood disturbance the next day.' This study highlights oxytocin's potential to act as a biological buffer during periods when women are particularly vulnerable to emotional changes.

Historically, the impact of disrupted sleep during reproductive transitions has often been minimized. Women frequently report sleep disturbances during postpartum and menopause, which coincide with significant hormonal changes. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 75% of mothers experience sleep disruptions postpartum, which can exacerbate mood disorders and contribute to conditions such as postpartum depression.

The recent study involved 38 healthy premenopausal women who underwent two five-night inpatient protocols: one during a natural hormonal state and another following estradiol suppression. After two nights of uninterrupted sleep, researchers simulated fragmented sleep patterns for three nights, a common experience for women during postpartum and menopause phases. Throughout the study, researchers assessed mood disturbances and oxytocin levels, revealing that sleep interruptions significantly correlated with increased mood disturbances and oxytocin levels.

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual health, hinting at broader societal impacts. As Dr. Gonsalvez noted, 'Millions of women struggle with mood symptoms during reproductive transitions, yet treatments often focus narrowly on antidepressants or hormone therapy. Understanding oxytocin’s potential as a natural mood modulator could help us better support women’s mental health during these times.'

The research was supported by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Connors Center WHISPR Award, the Dupont-Warren HMS Research Fellowship, and the National Institute on Aging. It underlines the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of mood disorders related to reproductive transitions and the biological mechanisms at play.

The Endocrine Society, which organized the ENDO annual meeting, represents over 18,000 members globally and is dedicated to advancing hormone research and improving patient care. As the field of endocrinology continues to evolve, studies like this one offer critical insights into the intersection of hormonal health and emotional well-being, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the therapeutic potential of hormones like oxytocin in clinical settings.