Here's a recent study that suggests that menstrual cramping may predispose to brain structure changes.
It's more likely that brain structure changes can predispose women to menstrual cramps. Interestingly, untreated obstructive sleep apnea has been shown to result in lowered brain tissue volume and density in critical areas such as memory, executive function, and autonomic control. So it's not surprising that many women with problem menstrual cramps can't sleep on their backs, and are more tired than normal, since they can't sleep efficiently. Due to smaller jaw structures, the tongue can take up relatively more space in the throat, and can obstruct during deep stages of sleep, especially when muscles begin to relax.
Here's a recent study that suggests that menstrual cramping may predispose to brain structure changes.
It's more likely that brain structure changes can predispose women to menstrual cramps. Interestingly, untreated obstructive sleep apnea has been shown to result in lowered brain tissue volume and density in critical areas such as memory, executive function, and autonomic control. So it's not surprising that many women with problem menstrual cramps can't sleep on their backs, and are more tired than normal, since they can't sleep efficiently. Due to smaller jaw structures, the tongue can take up relatively more space in the throat, and can obstruct during deep stages of sleep, especially when muscles begin to relax.