Sleep in Women: The Current Status and Nuances in Management.

Abstract

Sleep disturbances and disorders in women are influenced by hormonal, physiologic, and psychosocial factors across the reproductive lifecycle. Etiologies include menstrual cycle fluctuations, perimenopausal transitions, postmenopausal hormonal decline, and conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and dysmenorrhea. The presentation of common symptoms such as insomnia, fragmented sleep, or poor sleep quality, within specific hormonal phases, is crucial for accurate diagnosis. The source of sleep disruption often differs, with underlying systemic or psychiatric conditions contributing to the presentation. These disorders pose a significant diagnostic challenge due to their overlap with general sleep-related complaints, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.