Most Common Sleep Disorders in Women
Nearly 40 million American men and women suffer from sleep disorders. However, sleep problems affect more women than men. New research exploring women's sleep experiences may lead to specially tailored treatments.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the most common sleep problem. Women are more likely than men to report insomnia. In fact, according to the 2002 NSF Sleep in America poll, more women than men experience symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights a week (63% vs. 54%) and they are more likely to have daytime sleepiness. Sometimes, women begin to have sleepless nights associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause and find it difficult to break poor sleep habits. Fortunately, there are a number of approaches to improving sleep, including those you can do yourself such as exercise, establishing regular bed and wake times, dietary changes (less or no caffeine and alcohol) and improving your sleep environment. One recent study found that overweight, post-menopausal women who exercise in the morning experience less difficulty falling asleep and better quality sleep than evening exercisers. If insomnia persists, and lifestyle, behavioral or diet changes do not help, a doctor may prescribe a sleep-promoting medication (hypnotic). In some instances, there may be an underlying and treatable cause, such as depression (women are twice as likely to report depression as men), stress, anxiety, reflux, bladder problems or pain. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants (for depression), anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs), medications for heartburn, incontinence or pain and/or hypnotic medications to improve sleep.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that is characterized by snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness. An estimated 18 million Americans have sleep apnea including one in four women over 65. While apnea is more common in men, it increases in women after age 50. Because being overweight is a risk factor for sleep apnea, the increase in abdominal fat during menopause may be one reason menopausal women are 3.5 times as likely to get this sleep disorder. Some attribute the prevalence to hormonal changes such as the decrease in progesterone. Studies have also found that sleep apnea is associated with increased blood pressure, a risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. If any of these symptoms appear, it is important to address them with your doctor. A number of effective treatment approaches are available.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
RLS is a neurological movement disorder that affects as many as 12 million Americans. Its symptoms are outlined above. Because the unpleasant feelings occur at rest and are relieved by movement, RLS sufferers have difficulty sleeping. In the NSF 2002 Sleep in America poll, 18% of the female adult population reported RLS symptoms a few nights a week or more. Due to difficulties sleeping, RLS can lead to daytime sleepiness, mood swings, anxiety and depression. One study found that 42% of those with RLS stated that it affected their relationship with their partner. Although we do not know the exact cause of RLS, recent research indicates that iron or folate deficiency may be a risk factor. Treatment may include iron or vitamin supplements, lifestyle changes and medications. About 80% of those with RLS also have PLMD or involuntary leg twitching or jerking movements during sleep that can occur every 20-30 seconds. These symptoms can be bothersome to a bed partner, but are also treatable.
Narcolepsy
Feeling sleepy during the day or at times you expect to be awake may indicate a need for more sleep, the presence of a serious but treatable disorder such as those already mentioned, or narcolepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that affects approximately one in 2000 people. Narcolepsy symptoms frequently appear in teen years. In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, people with narcolepsy have sudden "sleep attacks" (an over-whelming urge to sleep), suddenly lose muscle tone or strength (cataplexy) and may have disturbed nighttime sleep. Women who are pregnant or considering having a child should discuss medications with their doctor. Recent scientific break-throughs have led to new understanding of the cause of this condition and new treatments have given doctors more ways to help manage its symptoms.
Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder
Persons with nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder (NS-RED), an uncommon condition, eat food during the night while they appear asleep. Since parts of the brain that control memory are asleep, people with NS-RED cannot remember nighttime eating. One study indicates that over 66 percent of sufferers are women. NS-RED can occur during sleepwalking. It can be caused by medications (e.g. some drugs prescribed for depression or insomnia) or by sleep disorders (e.g. sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome) that cause awakenings and trigger sleep eating.
