Gender Differences In Sleep Research Articles

Cognitive fitness modulates gender differences in sleep and mental health among competitive athletes under chronic stress.

Objectives: Mental fitness is increasingly considered a key component of an athlete's competitive arsenal. Active domains of mental fitness include cognitive fitness, sleep, and mental health; and these domains can differ between men and women athletes. Our study investigated the associations of cognitive fitness and gender to sleep and mental health, and the interaction between cognitive fitness and gender on sleep and mental health, in competitive athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 82 athletes competing at levels from regional/state to international (49% women, M-age = 23.3years) completed measures of self-control, intolerance of uncertainty, and impulsivity (together representing constructs of cognitive fitness), items about sleep (total sleep time, sleep latency, and mid-sleep time on free days) and a measure of mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). Results: Women athletes reported lower self-control, higher intolerance of uncertainty, and higher positive urgency impulsivity compared with men athletes. Women reported sleeping later, but this gender difference disappeared after controlling for cognitive fitness. Women athletes-after controlling for cognitive fitness-reported higher depression, anxiety, and stress. Across genders, higher self-control was associated with lower depression, and lower intolerance of uncertainty was associated with lower anxiety. Higher sensation seeking was associated with lower depression and stress, and higher premeditation was associated with greater total sleep time and anxiety. Higher perseverance was associated with higher depression for men-but not women-athletes. Conclusion: Women athletes in our sample reported poorer cognitive fitness and mental health compared to men athletes. Most cognitive fitness factors protected competitive athletes under chronic stress, but some exposed them to poorer mental health. Future work should examine the sources of gender differences. Our findings suggest a need to develop tailored interventions aimed at improving athlete wellbeing, with a particular focus on women athletes.

A Narrative Review of Sex and Gender Differences in Sleep Disordered Breathing: Gaps and Opportunities.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common condition, associated with multiple comorbidities including cardiovascular and metabolic disease. It has been previously established that SDB is more prevalent in men than women, shifting the literature's focus away from the latter population. As such, underdiagnosis, and thus undertreatment, of SDB in women exists. To establish the differences in prevalence, clinical presentation, and pathophysiology of SDB between the two sexes, a narrative review of the current literature was performed. Rates of SDB are higher among men, likely driven by differences in symptom presentation between men and women, with women presenting with more "atypical" symptoms, and lack of sensitivity in SDB screening tools to detect SDB in women. In addition to the cardiovascular risks of SDB, women with SDB may have worse quality of life, higher prevalence of insomnia, and respiratory issues. More research is needed to better define the unique pathophysiology and clinical presentation of SDB in women. In addition, an increased awareness among health care providers and the lay public of the SDB-specific sex and gender differences will serve to minimize disparities in identification and treatment of SDB in women.

Socio-Ecological Context of Sleep: Gender Differences and Couples' Relationships as Exemplars.

We summarized recent findings on insufficient sleep and insomnia, two prominent sleep issues that impact public health. We demonstrate the socio-ecologial impact of sleep health with findings on gender and couples' relationships as exemplars. Robust gender differences in sleep duration and insomnia are due to biological and socio-ecological factors. Gender differences in insufficient sleep vary by country of origin and age whereas gender differences in insomnia reflect minoritized identities (e.g., sexual, gender). Co-sleeping with a partner is associated with longer sleep and more awakenings. Gender differences and couples' sleep were affected by intersecting social and societal influences, which supports a socio-ecological approach to sleep. Recent and seminal contributions to sleep health highlight the importance of observing individual sleep outcomes in a socio-ecological context. Novel methodology, such as global measures of sleep health, can inform efforts to improve sleep and, ultimately, public health.

Gender and socioeconomic differences in sleep problems among older adults (50+) in India: evidence from WHO-SAGE

ABSTRACT This study examined the gender differences in sleep problems among older adults in India. We also examined the role of socioeconomic status in determining the gender differences in sleep. Individuals aged 50 years and above (N = 6560) from the first wave of WHO’s Study on global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) – 2007 were studied using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. In the fully adjusted regression model, older women in India were 46% more likely to report sleep problems than men. Educated and wealthier older adults had fewer sleep problems compared to their counterparts. Further, the gender difference in sleep problems is largely driven by lower socioeconomic status. There are no gender differences in sleep problems among older adults in 6–9 and 10+ years of schooling as well as middle, fourth and fifth wealth quintile (richest) categories. Gender differences could be explained further with women’s mental health (cognitive function, depressive symptoms, stress etc.) and managing their overall physical health and multiple roles demands at the household level in India. Interventions focusing on women in lower socioeconomic strata will be beneficial to reduce the sleep problems in the context of the population ageing in India.

Gender Differences in Sleep and Mental Health among Saudi Adolescents.

Among adolescents, mental health issues (i.e., stress and depressive symptoms) negatively affect sleep. We assessed whether the association between mental health and sleep varied between genders among Saudi adolescents. A total of 2206 school students (grades 7-12) from 40 randomly selected schools in four cities of Al-Qassim province in Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study. The survey assessed demography, lifestyle, sleep (12-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale), depression (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21)) and stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale). Adjusted associations with sleep were tested with linear and logistic regressions. Of the sample, 55% were girls, and their average sleep score was lower than that of the boys (58.7 vs. 63.4, p < 0.001). Girls had worse mental health than boys; the proportion of girls with both severe stress and severe depressive symptoms was three times higher than that of the boys (12% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). For both boys and girls, those with severe depressive symptoms only or both severe depressive symptoms and severe stress had significantly lower sleep scores than those who had neither of the two conditions (reference group). On the other hand, among those who had severe stress only, the sleep score was significantly lower for the girls (p = 0.002) than for the boys (p = 0.19). Overall, girls had a significantly lower sleep score and worse mental health than boys. The association between mental health and sleep significantly differed between the sexes. Severe stress was negatively associated with sleep in girls but not in boys.

Gender Differences in Sleep Disordered Breathing—a Review of Literature

Gender Differences in Sleep Disordered Breathing—a Review of Literature

Sex and Sleep: Perceptions of Sex as a Sleep Promoting Behavior in the General Adult Population.

Objective: The main aim of this study was to explore the perceived relationship between sexual activities, sleep quality, and sleep latency in the general adult population and identify whether any gender differences exist.Participants/methods: We used a cross-sectional survey to examine the perceived relationship between sexual activity and subsequent sleep in the general adult population. Seven-hundred and seventy-eight participants (442 females, 336 males; mean age 34.5 ± 11.4 years) volunteered to complete an online anonymous survey at their convenience.Statistical Analyses: Chi square analyses were conducted to examine if there were any gender differences between sexual activities [i.e., masturbation (self-stimulation), sex with a partner without orgasm, and sex with a partner with orgasm] and self-reported sleep.Results: There were no gender differences in sleep (quality and onset) between males and females when reporting sex with a partner [ = 2.20, p = 0.332; 5.73, p = 0.057] or masturbation (self-stimulation) [ = 1.34, p = 0.513; = 0.89, p = 0.640] involved an orgasm.Conclusions: Orgasms with a partner were associated with the perception of favorable sleep outcomes, however, orgasms achieved through masturbation (self-stimulation) were associated with the perception of better sleep quality and latency. These findings indicate that the public perceive sexual activity with orgasm precedes improved sleep outcomes. Promoting safe sexual activity before bed may offer a novel behavioral strategy for promoting sleep.

Subjective Sleep Related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms among Trauma-Exposed Men and Women

ABSTRACT Objective/Background: Sleep difficulty is both a common symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a risk factor for the development and maintenance of PTSD symptomatology. Gender differences in sleep following trauma exposure have been posited to contribute to the increased risk for the development of PTSD among women, but the persistence and long-term contributions of these potential differences to the maintenance and severity of PTSD symptoms is unclear. Participants: Men and women reporting a history of trauma exposure (n = 112, 63% female) participated in this study. Methods: Subjective sleep complaints and PTSD symptom severity were assessed using well-validated measures (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PTSD Symptom Checklist). Multivariable regression models (full sample and gender-stratified) were used to predict PTSD symptom severity from global, subscale, and individual item sleep parameters, adjusted for gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, and body mass index. Results: In the full sample, traditional measures of sleep quality and sleep disturbance were associated with PTSD symptom severity. Difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and sleep disturbance from a variety of sources were related to higher PTSD symptom severity in men, while self-reported sleep disturbance related to nightmares and emotional regulation were associated with PTSD symptom severity among women. Conclusions: These findings add to the limited literature on gender-specific risk factors related to sleep and PTSD, and may inform intervention development and implementation related to PTSD severity among vulnerable adults.

Sex differences in sleep: impact of biological sex and sex steroids

Men and women sleep differently. While much is known about the mechanisms that drive sleep, the reason for these sex differences in sleep behaviour is unknown and understudied. Historically, women and female animals are underrepresented in studies of sleep and its disorders. Nevertheless, there is a growing recognition of sex disparities in sleep and rhythm disorders. Women typically report poorer quality and more disrupted sleep across various stages of life. Findings from clinical and basic research studies strongly implicate a role for sex steroids in sleep modulation. Understanding how neuroendocrine mediators and sex differences influence sleep is central to advancing our understanding of sleep-related disorders. The investigation into sex differences and sex steroid modulation of sleep is in its infancy. Identifying the mechanisms underlying sex and gender differences in sleep will provide valuable insights leading to tailored therapeutics that benefit each sex. The goal of this review is to discuss our current understanding of how biological sex and sex steroids influence sleep behaviour from both the clinical and pre-clinical perspective.

The importance of creating an interdisciplinary network to study sex and gender differences in sleep

The importance of creating an interdisciplinary network to study sex and gender differences in sleep

Gender Differences in Real-Home Sleep of Young and Older Couples.

To understand gender differences in sleep quality, architecture and duration of young healthy couples in comparison to older couples in their natural sleep environment. Sleep was monitored in a naturalistic setting using a headband sleep monitoring device over a period of two weeks for young couples and home polysomnography for the older couples. Ten heterosexual young couples (male mean age: 28.2±1.0[SD] years/female mean age: 26.8±0.9 years) and 14 older couples (male mean age: 59.3±9.6 years/female mean age: 58.8±9.1 years). In the young couples, total sleep time (395±66 vs. 367±54 min., p<0.05), sleep efficiency (97.0±3.0 vs. 91.1±7.9, p<0.001), and % REM (31.1±4.8 vs. 23.6±5.5, p<0.001) in males was higher than in females. In contrast, % light sleep (51.7±7.1 vs. 59.7±6.7, p<0.001) and number of arousals (2.9±1.9 vs. 5.3±1.9, p<0.001) were lower. These differences persisted after controlling for evening mood and various evening pre-sleep activities. In the older couples, there were no differences between genders. In addition, children in the household adversely impacted sleep. In couples recorded in the home, young males slept longer and had better sleep quality than young females. This difference appears to dissipate with age. In-home assessment of couples can aid in understanding of gender differences in sleep and how they are affected by age and social environment.

Gender Difference in Sleep Problems: Focused on Time Use in Daily Life of Korea

Korea is well-known as one of the most sleepless country on the globe. Given the fact that sleep is closely connected with various health outcomes, we examined which group is more likely to experience sleep disorder problems within the context of time use. This study sets out to describe the differences in sleep disorder patterns between Korean men and women. In this study, we also tried to identify important socio-demoraphic factors and wake activity time use factors that might account for the sleep problem (short sleep/oversleep) and gender differences in sleep. Data from the original 2004 Korean Time Use Survey were used for this study (n = 16,958). Fifty-two percent of the respondents were women; the age range of the sample was 25–59 years. Results showed us that there was no gender differences found in dimension of short sleep. Still, women were less likely to be over sleeper rather than men, implying the existence of gender inequality in rest/free time. Results from the multinomial regression model showed that, although there were similarities in the impact of relevant factors, men’s sleep was more likely to be disturbed by their work role, while women’s sleep was affected by their work and family role. In this study, it was found that the gender difference in sleep problems was associated with time use, and especially the social roles that men and women occupied.

Subjective sleep quality in relation to objective sleep estimates: comparison, gender differences and changes between the acute phase and the six‐month follow‐up after stroke

To describe sleep experiences after stroke using subjective and objective indicators and identify possible gender differences in sleep in the acute phase and at 6-month follow-up. Sleep disturbances after stoke are recognized, but poorly described. Gender differences in sleep exist in other populations, but have not been reported after stroke. A longitudinal cohort study. Subjective sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and objective sleep was estimated with actigraphy in 100 patients in the acute phase and six months after stroke, from April 2007-March 2009. Subjective sleep quality was better and objective wake percentage was lower at follow-up than in the acute phase after stroke. Actigraphy estimated low sleep efficiency and many awakenings at both time points. Subjective and objective measures were correlated at the 6-month follow-up, but not in the acute phase. Women's subjective sleep efficiency and total score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were worse than men's in the acute phase, but actigraphy estimated that women slept more than men in the course of a day. Women's subjective sleep quality was better at follow-up than in the acute phase. Men reported worse subjective sleep quality, but better subjective sleep efficiency at follow-up than in the acute phase, and also had lower objective wake percentage at follow-up. Subjective sleep quality was poor and actigraphy indicated disturbed sleep-wake patterns in the acute phase and at 6-month follow-up. Gender differences existed in subjective and objective sleep in the acute phase, but not at follow-up.

Sleep-wake activity rhythm and health-related quality of life among patients with coronary artery disease and in a population-based sample-An actigraphy and questionnaire study

The aim of this study was to explore whether there are gender differences in sleep and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and a matched population-based sample and to see how subjectively rated sleep is associated with actigraphy. Secondly, to explore whether factors that predict patients' sleep quality could be identified. Fifty-seven patients with stable CAD and 47 participants from a population-based sample were included. All participants completed the Uppsala Sleep Inventory (USI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the SF-36. Actigraphy recordings and a sleep diary were performed for seven 24-h periods. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that sleep duration, sleep onset latency, nocturnal awakenings, vitality (SF-36) and body mass index explained 60% of the sleep quality outcome (USI). Sleep duration, sleep efficiency and fragmentation index assessed with actigraphy and sleep diary accounted for 36% of the sleep quality outcome (diary). The result can form the basis for a non-pharmacological, self-care programme supported and led by nurses.

Gender Differences in Sleep During the Aftermath of Trauma and the Development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Women have a greater risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to trauma. Although sleep abnormalities have been implicated in the development of PTSD, gender differences in sleep soon after a traumatic event have not been investigated. This secondary analysis examined sleep characteristics using polysomnography in 13 female and 22 male trauma patients within a month of their traumatic injuries and assessed PTSD symptoms at 2-months post-injury. Results revealed more wake after sleep onset in women who developed PTSD compared to men who developed PTSD. Women with subsequent PTSD also had less total sleep time than women without subsequent PTSD. Findings suggest possible contributions of impaired sleep maintenance to the development of PTSD in women.

Gender Differences in Sleep, Fatigue, and Daytime Activity in a Pediatric Oncology Sample Receiving Dexamethasone

To examine gender differences in sleep, fatigue, and daytime activity in a sample of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Participants included 88 children in maintenance treatment for ALL (34 girls; 54 boys). Participants wore an actigraph for 10 consecutive days (5 days pre-dexamethasone and 5 days during dexamethasone administration). Fatigue instruments were also administered. Girls napped more and had less fragmented night sleep than boys did. Wake time after sleep onset was sensitive to dexamethasone administration, revealing a differential direction of response for girls and boys. No gender differences were observed for subjective fatigue or daytime activity in the total sample. Our preliminary findings support gender differences in the sleep of children with cancer after controlling for differences in age, treatment, and risk group. Future research that focuses on the etiology of gender differences and developing interventions will help clarify the clinical application of our findings.

Gender differences in sleep disorders

To evaluate recent evidence regarding gender differences in sleep. Women have better sleep quality compared with men, with longer sleep times, shorter sleep-onset latency and higher sleep efficiency. Despite this, women have more sleep-related complaints than men. The amount of slow-wave sleep decreases with age in men and women. Normal physiologic periods, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, are associated with alterations in sleep patterns. Gender differences in normal sleep may underlie the observed differences in risk of sleep disorders. Studies of insomnia support a female predominance, with increased divergence of prevalence between men and women with older age. Recent findings for the gender differences in obstructive sleep apnea have focused on differences in local neuromuscular reflexes and central ventilatory control. Restless legs syndrome has a slight female predominance, whereas rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and Kleine-Levin syndrome are more common in men. Gender differences in sleep become apparent after the onset of puberty. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can alter sleep architecture. Gender-related differences in sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome, include differences in prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and response to therapy.

Gender differences in sleep, sleepiness and chronotype

Gender differences in sleep, sleepiness and chronotype

Sleep EEG, depression and gender.

Despite clear evidence of an intimate connection between sleep, major depressive disorders (MDD) and gender, few studies have explored gender differences in either sleep or in wakefulness in patients as a means of better understanding the psychogenic components of MDD. Indeed, few sleep studies focus on characterising gender differences in any population. This paper will present a review of the literature on gender differences in sleep and depression. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings will also be discussed. The premise of the present review is that there is an inherent increased vulnerability to depression in women that arises out of basic gender differences in brain organisation and state regulation, particularly in response to a "biological challenge" during sleep. It is argued that the inherent properties of organisation and regulation of sleep EEG in healthy men and women, elicited under challenge conditions, show gender-specific vulnerability to organisational abnormalities that model homeostatic abnormalities in depressed men and women and contribute to the genesis of depression. 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd

Sleep disturbances in outpatients with ankylosing spondylitis - a questionnaire study with gender implications

Objective: To study the sleep pattern in ankylosing spondylitis, and to investigate gender differences in sleep, pain, and fatigue. Methods: Forty-three male and 27 female patients with ankylosing spondylitis completed a sleep questionnaire and the results were compared with earlier findings in 3,558 persons randomly selected from the general population. Results: Too little sleep was reported by 80.8% of the female and 50.0% of the male patients, compared to 28.8% and 21.8% respectively in the reference group (p<0.0001). The main reason was pain in the pre-sleep and sleep-periods (p<0.0001). Daytime fatigue was a major problem (p<0.0001). Higher correlation was found between pain and daytime fatigue than between sleep disturbance and daytime fatigue. Conclusion: Sleep disturbance is a significant problem in ankylosing spondylitis. The disturbance is closely related to pain at bedtime and during the night. Gender differences exist in the subjective sleep disturbance, fatigue, and pain.