Harvard researchers published the results of a study that analyzed more than 94,000 nights. Apple Watch sleep data to better understand how sleep patterns change during perimenopause. Here are the details.
The study analyzed more than 94,000 nights of Apple Watch sleep data
Over the past few years Apple used it Apple Watch as a way to support large-scale health studies Through the Apple Research program.
This includes the Apple Women’s Health Study, the Apple Heart and Motion Study, and the Apple Hearing Study, which launched in 2019 with research partners including Harvard, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the American Heart Association and the University of Michigan.
In February 2025 Apple said these studies have since reached more than 350,000 participants in the United States.
Recently, the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health published the results (via Aaron Perris) a study that examined how sleep patterns change during perimenopause.
More than 94,000 nights were used in the study Apple Watch Sleep data from 338 Apple Women’s Health Study participants aged 25-59, the vast majority aged 45-59.
According to the data, “in the 12 months before and 12 months after the last recorded menstrual period, many participants spent more time awake during the night.”
In addition, the study also found that “60% of women with sleep tracking data in the 18 months before menopause had increased WASO (awakening after sleep) compared to the previous 6 months” and an average increase of 7%.
The researchers also noted that “in the 12 months before and 12 months after the last recorded menstrual period, participants spent approximately 0.8% more awake in their postmenopausal sleep time than before.”
Importantly, the researchers noted that results varied widely between participants, noting that “each person experiences perimenopause and menopause differently.”
Some participants experienced larger increases in wakefulness after menopause, while others experienced no meaningful sleep changes.
Finally, participants who tracked their sleep for the study also reported other menopausal symptoms: hot flashes 82.3%, irritability 68.1%, mental exhaustion 65.7%, and sexual symptoms 65.6%.
For participants reporting more severe menopausal symptoms, the symptoms most closely associated with worse sleep were bladder symptoms, joint symptoms, heart discomfort, and depressive symptoms.
The researchers also shared tips that can help women get better sleep during perimenopause, including:
- Maintaining a cool temperature in the sleeping environment
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
- Take constant action
- Avoiding common bladder irritants and limiting fluid intake before bedtime
- Prioritize relaxation and mindfulness techniques in your bedtime routine.
For more information on the results of the study, follow this link.
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