Frontiers in Neurology (Jul 2024)

Gender medicine and sleep disorders: from basic science to clinical research

  • Elisa Perger,
  • Rosalia Silvestri,
  • Enrica Bonanni,
  • Maria Caterina Di Perri,
  • Mariana Fernandes,
  • Mariana Fernandes,
  • Federica Provini,
  • Federica Provini,
  • Giovanna Zoccoli,
  • Carolina Lombardi,
  • Carolina Lombardi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1392489
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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Several pivotal differences in sleep and sleep disorders are recognized between women and men. This is not only due to changes in hormonal balance during women's reproductive life, such as in pregnancy and menopause. Women are more likely to report insomnia and non-specific symptoms of apneas, such as fatigue or mood disturbance, compared to men. Thus, it is important for clinicians and researchers to take sex and gender differences into account when addressing sleep disorders in order to acknowledge the biology unique to women. We present a narrative review that delves into the primary sleep disorders, starting from basic science, to explore the impact of gender differences on sleep and the current status of research on women's sleep health.

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