Overview of Sleep and Gender Differences.

Sleep patterns in women change across life stages, influenced by hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect sleep quality, with premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoria disorder linked to poor sleep and daytime fatigue. Pregnancy disrupts sleep owing to elevated hormones, physical discomfort, and fetal movements. Menopause is associated with a high prevalence of sleep disturbances (40%-60%), including insomnia and sleep fragmentation, largely because of declining estrogen levels and vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes. After menopause, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea increases, with higher risks of cardiovascular complications.