Sleep disorders can significantly impact women’s health and well-being, affecting their physical, mental, and emotional functioning. Here are three common sleep disorders that women may experience:
Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep. Women are more likely than men to experience insomnia, with hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause contributing to its prevalence.
Causes of insomnia in women can vary, including stress, anxiety, depression, lifestyle factors, shift work, and certain medical conditions.
Treatment for insomnia may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene practices, and, in some cases, medication.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, often accompanied by snoring and choking or gasping sensations. While sleep apnea is more commonly diagnosed in men, it is underrecognized in women, particularly those who are premenopausal.
Women with sleep apnea may experience symptoms such as daytime fatigue, morning headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Hormonal changes, obesity, and anatomical differences in airway structure can contribute to sleep apnea in women.
Treatment for sleep apnea typically involves lifestyle modifications (weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them, often worsened at night or during periods of inactivity. Women are more likely to experience RLS, particularly during pregnancy and menopause.
Symptoms of RLS can interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep, leading to sleep deprivation and daytime fatigue. Iron deficiency, pregnancy, certain medications, and genetic factors can contribute to RLS in women.
Treatment for RLS may involve addressing underlying conditions (such as iron deficiency), lifestyle changes, medications to alleviate symptoms, and relaxation techniques to manage discomfort.
These sleep disorders highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep disturbances in women to promote overall health and well-being.
Come see Carrie Yamamoto our Sleep Specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. She has already helped so many women in our office manage sleep disorders effectively and improve their quality of life.