Bishop’s University

Elizabeth Garneau’s Honours Thesis: The Impact of Hormonal Contraception and Menstrual Cycle on Sleep

Elizabeth Garneau, a neuroscience student from Charlevoix, Quebec, chose Bishop’s University for its close-knit community, small class sizes, and beautiful campus. She fell in love with the institution during her first visit, appreciating the intimate setting and the opportunity for close interaction with professors. Currently enrolled in the Neurosciences program at Bishop’s University, Elizabeth’s research delves into the impacts of hormonal contraception on women’s bodies, with a particular focus on how hormonal contraception and the menstrual cycle influence sleep quality in women.

A photo of a young woman with brown hair standing in a windowed hallway. Her name is Elizabeth Garneau.
Elizabeth Garneau

Under the supervision of Dr. Suzanne Hood and Dr. Adrianna Mendrek, Elizabeth’s project seeks to address a significant gap in health research, which has historically been more focused on men. “We know a lot, but still nothing about the brain, and it is fascinating,” Elizabeth says, explaining her curiosity about the complex nature of brain functioning. By focusing on women, she aims to explore how different sex hormone profiles, influenced by hormonal contraception and the menstrual cycle, can impact subjective sleep quality. Many women report experiencing more sleep disturbances, which shows why Elizabeth’s research is important as it shines a light on these often-overlooked factors in health studies.

The significance of her work is amplified by the fact that much of the research in sleep and health has not been specifically tailored to address the unique experiences and needs of women. “Women report the most sleep complaints, especially when they start their menstrual cycle, are in menopause, or have irregular cycles,” she notes,
underlining the need for more focused studies in this area.

Elizabeth’s long-term goal is to become a neuropsychologist specializing in women’s health. She aspires to provide the necessary accommodations and tools to help women navigate the complexities of daily life, particularly as they relate to the intersectionality of hormonal health and sleep. After completing her studies at Bishop’s University, she plans to continue her research and is currently applying to Université de Montréal, UQAM, and Université de Sherbrooke to pursue further opportunities in her field.

The journey has not been without its challenges. Recruiting enough participants willing to complete the full study has proven difficult, but she remains motivated by the progress she sees in her research. Elizabeth says the most rewarding part has been watching her research come together as the pieces of the puzzle start to align. She remains hopeful that her work will not only help women make more informed choices about contraception but also raise awareness of the multitude of side effects linked to hormonal contraceptives.

Balancing her academic, research, and personal life has been a constant effort. Elizabeth approaches her research as if it were a class, setting deadlines and holding herself accountable. Her supportive roommates play a crucial role in helping her stay focused, while also encouraging her when things get tough. She makes sure to take time for herself, finding balance by engaging in activities like crocheting or enjoying coffee with friends. This sense of balance has been key to her well-being and success.

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Joannie St-Germain M.Sc. (she/her/elle)

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