Few Sleep Disorders Gender Specific; Three—Including Sleep Apnea—Affect Women in Disproportionate Numbers

Though sleep disruptions are common during a woman’s life cycle, women tend to sleep better than men do. According to a recent Post-Standard article, women’s sleep quality changes throughout life but that at least three disorders affect women in disproportionate numbers:  restless leg syndrome, sleep related eating disorders, and sleep apnea.

Women experience lower sleep quality during pregnancy, childbearing years and menopause. When it comes to sleep apnea, statistics show that it is more common in men. However, up to 10 percent of women develop sleep apnea while they’re pregnant. Thirty-five to 60 percent of women experience insomnia during menopause and women are at increased risk for sleep apnea due to lower levels of progesterone during menopause says Dr. Antonio Culebras, a neurology professor and sleep consultant. Among middle-aged men and women, mild sleep apnea affects 10 percent of women and 15 percent of men. Moderate to severe sleep apnea affects 2 percent of women and 4 percent of men.

To learn more about Dr. Culebras comments about restless leg syndrome and sleep-related eating disorders or if you’re curious about what sleep is like for women during childbearing years, pregnancy, and menopause see the full article.