Women Sleep Facts

Facts about women sleep:

Unfortunately, many women are ignorant of the negative impact sleep problems can have on their health and performance.

Identifying the unique complications that contribute to sleep problems in women is an important step in achieving better sleep.

• Sleep Habits: Almost three out of four women do not get seven or more hours of sleep per night during the work week. On an average, women sleep approximately 6 to 6.5 hours per night during the work week. While many women experience difficulty sleeping, only 4% of women currently see a physician regarding their sleep problems.
• Consequences of Sleep Loss: Middle-aged women who sleep on an average of five hours or less may be more likely to have heart disease than women who sleep eight hours. Sleep loss may increase hunger and affect the body’s metabolism, which makes it difficult to maintain or lose weight. Majority of women report that sleep problems interfere with house hold activities.
• Hormones Affecting Sleep: Sleep is disrupted during the menstrual cycle. When hormone levels are at their lowest during menstruation, many women complain of sleep problems. 40% of menopausal women sleep problems which are associated to hot flashes.
• Medical Conditions: Majority of women suffer from nighttime pain, including pain due to arthritis, which may make it more difficult to a good night’s sleep. Anxiety and depression, conditions related with sleep loss are twice as common in women as they are in men.

Exams and Tests for women sleep:

If you are having sleeping problems, the first step is to consult the sleep specialist and answer to the questions asked by the doctor.

You will be asked about your medical and physical symptoms, medications, psychological problems, family medical problems, menstrual and pregnancy history, habits, work life, and lifestyle. The next step is a physical examination.

Sleep study:

• A sleep log is a diary of your sleep-wake cycles. You will be asked to keep a 2-week diary of sleep and daytime drowsiness. This diary can be helpful in diagnosing circadian rhythm disorders as well as uneven sleep patterns.
• Polysomnography may be done in a sleep disorders center. The machine records EEG (sleep patterns) breathing patterns, ECG, eye movements and changes in muscle tone.
• Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) measures the level of daytime sleepiness. It is performed during the day following a supervised overnight polysomnography.

Pregnant Women Sleep Tips:

The following are the pregnant women sleep tips:

• Drink lots of fluids during the day, but avoid before going to bed
• Exercise regularly to keep yourself healthy. It improves blood circulation and reduces leg cramps.
• In the third trimester, sleep on your left side to allow for the best blood flow to the fetus and to your uterus and kidneys. Prevent lying flat on your back for a long period of time.
• Special pregnancy mattresses and pillows can be used to get better sleep.
• Do not eat large amounts of spicy, acidic (such as tomato products), or fried foods to prevent heartburn. If heartburn is a problem, sleep with your head elevated on pillows.
• Relax yourself with relaxation and breathing techniques, which can also help when the contractions begin. A warm bath or shower before bed can be helpful.
• Talk to your doctor if you develop medical problems and/or insomnia continues.

Once baby is born, a mother’s sleep is frequently disturbed, particularly if she is nursing. Mothers who nurse and those with babies that awaken often during the night should try to nap when their babies do.