Three Decades of Progress in Sleep Disorders and Sleep Health for Women

Abstract

Over the past 3 decades, significant strides have been made in the field of sleep medicine for women. The impact of sex and gender on sleep health and sleep disorders received little attention in the early 1990s, but driven by policies ensuring inclusion of women in medical research, more recent studies have identified sex differences in sleep and investigated gender differences in sleep disorders. Nevertheless, disparities remain: diagnosis of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder are often delayed and underdiagnosed in women. Future research should continue to examine how biological sex and identity across the gender spectrum influence sleep health and sleep disorders, allowing for more personalized health care for all patients.

Sleep health challenges among women: insomnia across the lifespan

“…Inadequate sleep has been correlated with negative health consequences in adults, particularly among women (Vézina-Im et al, 2017). Compounding the problem, sleep disorders in women are frequently subject to delay and underdiagnosis (Marsella and Sharkey, 2020). Additionally, the presentation of sleep disorders in women can differ compared to men and sleep changes throughout the lifespan of an adult woman (Soares and Murray, 2006).…”