2 RiversideHealthcare.org Women: Are you getting the ZZZs you need? Sleep is the foundation for mental, physical and emotional well-being. On average, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than two-thirds of women get enough sleep. Women are also more likely to have sleep issues than men, and oftentimes these sleep issues go unreported. “Women tend to not admit anything is wrong with their sleep, or they may present sleep issues differently than men, which can lead to them not reporting these issues with their doctor,” says Kathleen Gallagher, BS, RPSGT, Manager of the Riverside Sleep Center. Insomnia One of the most common sleep disorders impacting women is insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder that hinders a person’s ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is the most common sleep disorder, but women are 40% more likely to experience insomnia than men. Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life—including menstruation, pregnancy and menopause—can change circadian rhythms and negatively impact sleep patterns. “If you were to look at sleep for an entire month for a woman, there’s really not a whole lot of great sleep in that timeframe, due to hormonal surges at different times,” Gallagher says. Snoring and sleep apnea Women also tend to underreport snoring or sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep, which can lead to snoring and gasping that interrupt sleep. “There’s a stigma associated with snoring that it’s not very ladylike and that only men snore, so women don’t tend to realize that their snoring could be related to sleep apnea,” Gallagher says. Obesity and age contribute to the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. When women go through menopause, hormonal changes can cause an increase in abdominal fat and also result in lower progesterone levels. These factors can increase the risk for sleep apnea for women. “Over time, sleep issues can lead to bigger health problems, even memory loss,” Gallagher cautions. “Women—do not be afraid to report snoring or other sleep issues to your doctor.” Tired of counting sheep? If you are facing sleep issues, talk with your doctor to see if a sleep study may help you. To learn more about the Riverside Sleep Center, visit RiversideHealthcare.org/sleep. Women are 40% more likely to experience insomnia than men. Kathleen Gallagher, BS, RPSGT
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