Epidemiology of Sleep Disorders in Women

Abstract

Sleep disorders are prevalent in women and are characterized by unique clinical presentations that vary throughout different stages of a woman’s life. Sleep disordered breathing is not uncommon in women with increased prevalence during pregnancy and post menopause. Insomnia is also a common sleep disorder with female preponderance even in the preadolescent years. In addition, Restless Legs Syndrome occurs with increased frequency during pregnancy and is associated with increased risk for the chronic idiopathic form. In contrary to common belief, REM Behavior Disorder parasomnia is as common in women as in men. This chapter discusses the epidemiology of sleep disorders in women with focus on sleep disordered breathing, insomnia and restless leg syndrome.