Article

Sleep Disorder

Sleep disorders (somnipathies) are medical conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to insufficient quantity or quality of sleep. They can impact physical, mental, social, and emotional functioning. Women are at higher risk for certain sleep disorders, especially during hormonal transitions such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Sleep disorders can have significant impacts on health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases, mood disorders, and impaired daytime functioning.

Classification

Sleep disorders are broadly classified into:

Dyssomnias: Problems with the amount, quality, or timing of sleep (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea, hypersomnia, narcolepsy)
Parasomnias: Abnormal behaviors during sleep (e.g., sleepwalking, night terrors)
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: Disruptions in the timing of sleep (e.g., shift work disorder)
Other disorders: Secondary to medical or psychological conditions (e.g., restless legs syndrome, bruxism)

Common Sleep Disorders in Women

Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep. More common in women, especially after menopause and during hormonal changes (insomnia.md).
Sleep apnea: Breathing interruptions during sleep. Risk increases after menopause and with higher BMI. Women may present with atypical symptoms such as fatigue and headaches (sleep_apnea.md).
Restless legs syndrome (RLS): Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, more common in pregnancy and after menopause (restless_legs_syndrome.md).
Circadian rhythm disorders: Disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle, sometimes linked to shift work, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors.
Parasomnias: Abnormal behaviors during sleep (e.g., sleepwalking, night terrors), less common but can occur in women.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may involve sleep habit questionnaires, physical examination, and tests such as polysomnography or actigraphy to identify underlying causes. Sleep disorders are common in both children and adults, but often go unrecognized, especially in children.

Risk Factors

Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause)
Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression)
Chronic pain or medical conditions
Lifestyle factors (caffeine, alcohol, irregular schedules, shift work)
Family history of sleep disorders
Increased medication use, age-related changes, environmental or lifestyle changes, stress

Management

Good sleep hygiene (regular schedule, sleep environment)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Medication (when appropriate, under medical supervision)
Treating underlying conditions (e.g., depression, sleep apnea, RLS)
Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management)

When to Seek Help

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

Persistent sleep problems
Loud snoring, gasping, or breathing interruptions during sleep
Uncontrollable urge to move your legs at night
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Symptoms of depression or anxiety