Tryptophan modulates the impact of prolactin on insomnia in perimenopausal women: a cross-sectional study - Report - MDSpire

Tryptophan modulates the impact of prolactin on insomnia in perimenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Shizhuo Yang

  • Lanrong Sun

  • Weiyi Liu

  • Chaoyi Guo

  • Kexin Wang

  • Hong Huang

  • Peipei Zhou

  • Zhonglu Liao

  • Yanxiang Chang

  • Wenyan Wang

  • Yu-Hsin Chen

  • Xingguang Luo

  • Yimin Kang

  • Yanlong Liu

  • Sishi Du

  • Fan Wang

  • Qiulin Wu

  • May 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Role of Tryptophan in Prolactin's Effects on Insomnia

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between prolactin levels, tryptophan, and insomnia in perimenopausal women. It finds that higher serum tryptophan levels significantly moderate the association between prolactin and insomnia severity.

Background

Insomnia is a prevalent issue among perimenopausal women, impacting their physical health and quality of life. Understanding the neuroendocrine mechanisms behind insomnia during this transition is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study sheds light on the role of prolactin and tryptophan in this context.

Data Highlights

MeasureCorrelation
Prolactin levels vs ISI scoresPositive
Tryptophan moderation effectβ = 0.227, 95% CI = 0.04–0.41, p = 0.0148

Key Findings

  • Insomnia is highly prevalent among perimenopausal women, affecting their quality of life.
  • Serum prolactin levels are positively associated with insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression.
  • Higher tryptophan levels strengthen the relationship between prolactin and insomnia severity.
  • Insomnia in perimenopausal women is linked to neuroendocrine dysregulation and hormone fluctuations.
  • Understanding these relationships may inform future therapeutic strategies for insomnia in this population.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the role of prolactin and tryptophan levels when assessing insomnia in perimenopausal women. Targeted interventions that address these neuroendocrine factors may improve treatment outcomes for insomnia.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of serum tryptophan in moderating the effects of prolactin on insomnia in perimenopausal women, suggesting potential avenues for future research and intervention strategies.

References

  1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Prolactin's Role in Obesity: Insights into Energy Regulation
  2. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Dysfunctional cognitions and insomnia symptoms in pregnant women: the serial mediation roles of pre-sleep arousal and maladaptive habits
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism -- Dose-related Effects of Calcium to Enhance the Effects of L-tryptophan on Gut Hormones and Energy Intake in Obesity
  4. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Increased Prolactin Levels and Their Relationship with Treatment Resistance Markers in Newly Hospitalized Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Real-World Cohort Analysis
  5. Combination treatment for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline - PMC
  6. Hot flashes and sleep disruption in a randomized trial in menopausal women - ScienceDirect
  7. Prolactin in sleep and EEG regulation: New mechanisms and sleep-related brain targets complement classical data - ScienceDirect
  8. Combination treatment for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline - PMC
  9. Hot flashes and sleep disruption in a randomized trial in menopausal women - ScienceDirect
  10. Prolactin in sleep and EEG regulation: New mechanisms and sleep-related brain targets complement classical data - ScienceDirect

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