Women are more prone to insomnia and other sleep disorders, but COVID-19 may be intensifying their condition.
- According to a recent study, the use of anti-insomnia medications is on the rise, particularly among women aged 45 to 64.
- According to a survey conducted in Greece, women were more likely to experience sleep problems during the pandemic.
- Sleep affects so many aspects of our health, from mood to the immune system, that it’s critical to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
Nobody could blame you for being concerned about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Uncertainty about the virus, combined with the new stresses of quarantine, remote school, working from home, and long-term change, is enough to keep anyone awake at night.
COVID-19, on the other hand, may have an even more significant impact on sleep in women. While women are more likely than men to have sleep problems, a recent report shows that prescriptions for insomnia have increased since the pandemic began, particularly among women aged 45 to 64.
If you’re one of the many women who wake up at night, there are a variety of strategies you can employ to get a good night’s sleep. But, first, let’s look at some of the most common sleep problems that women face and how you can overcome them with healthy routines and lifestyle changes.
COVID-19 And Its Impact On Women’s Sleep
Although widespread use of insomnia medication has decreased in recent years, anti-insomnia prescriptions increased 15% in the United States from mid-February to mid-March of this year, according to an Express Scripts report. In addition, according to the report, women are more likely than men to take anti-insomnia medication, particularly women aged 45 to 64 and women over 65.
According to a survey conducted earlier this year, Greek women were more likely to have sleep problems than other women worldwide. More than 2,400 people were polled about sleep problems and insomnia caused by COVID-19.
Harry Attarian, MD, a professor of neurology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, said in an article published a few months ago with the Society for Women’s Health Research that he’s seen an increase in patients with sleep problems. Furthermore, COVID-19-induced stress and anxiety have played a significant role in those patients’ sleep problems.
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What Causes Women’s Sleep Problems?
There may feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, which is why many women stay up late to get everything done, sacrificing sleep in the process. But, according to Andrea Matsumura, M.D., a sleep medicine specialist at Providence Sleep Disorders Centers and The Oregon Clinic-Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine East in Portland, Oregon, this could be masking an actual sleep problem.
Sleep Apnea
Dr Matsumura focuses on whether women have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling they are getting enough quality sleep when they have trouble sleeping. She will then investigate further to see if they have insomnia, sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping), or excessive movement such as restless leg syndrome.
Postmenopausal women, for example, have the same risk of obstructive sleep apnea as men, but they don’t always have the same symptoms — men snore loudly, but not all women do. According to Dr Matsumura, a few studies have found that while women are aware of their male partners’ sleeping habits, men are not. Without those visible symptoms or feedback from a partner, women frequently don’t understand why they are tired during the day.
Neurological Factors
Other women may experience sleep deprivation as a result of a movement disorder such as restless leg syndrome. This strong desire to move the limbs can keep women awake at night and prevent them from sleeping. Some women may also have narcolepsy, which manifests as excessive daytime sleepiness or fragmented nighttime sleep.
Hormone Changes
Hormones are another critical factor for women. When women menstruate, there will be a couple of days late in the cycle when some women may have difficulty sleeping. In addition, women experiencing perimenopause or postmenopause may experience hormonal changes that result in night sweats or fragmented sleep. Dr Matsumura advises those women to consult with their gynaecologists about possible treatments.
What To Do If You’re Experiencing Sleep Problems
Dr Matsumura advises women who have trouble sleeping to speak with their health care provider and be specific about their difficulties falling asleep.
“Are they having a lot of trouble getting to sleep, spending a lot of time in bed unable to sleep, waking up too many times in the middle of the night,” Dr Matsumura says. “They should focus on what time they go to bed, what time they fall asleep and what time they wake up.”
Create A Bedtime Routine
There are other things that women can try on their own to improve their sleep quality. This includes getting ready for sleep.
“Many people stay busy until the minute they go to bed,” Dr Matsumura says, “but we should all be trying to wind down for the evening, ideally an hour before we go to bed and sleep.” “That entails not using electronics or working.” The key is to prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep. It’s also critical that people don’t put their worries to bed. Instead, they must give themselves permission to unwind and sleep.”
Keep A Sleep Diary
If a woman has trouble sleeping, she can keep a sleep diary to track her nighttime patterns. According to Dr Matsumura, many sleep tracking devices are good at indicating if something is wrong. Still, they aren’t precise or accurate enough to provide a complete picture of sleep habits. In addition, Dr Matusmura notes that some people who are overly reliant on the devices may experience anxiety.
Because sleep affects so many aspects of our health, from mood to the immune system, getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep is critical. “I always tell my patients that sleep is brain food — don’t deprive it.”
How Deep Is Your Sleep?
While getting seven to nine hours of sleep is essential, it is also critical that those hours include quality, deep sleep. Do you consider your sleep routine when you:
- Does it take you a long time to fall asleep?
- Will you sleep? Or do you get up several times during the night?
- Do you have frequent nightmares?
- Do you struggle to stay awake during the day?
This CredibleMind assessment can help you learn more about the quality of your sleep and whether you need to change your sleeping habits or consult a sleep specialist.