Sleep, health risks, and gender
Sleep (or lack thereof) has long-lasting effects on our health. Recent studies show some gender differences in sleeping patterns and health outcomes.
Females who are poor sleepers have increased risks for cardiovascular disease than males exhibiting similar sleeping patterns.
“Self-reported ratings of sleep quality and symptoms of poor sleep have been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), type 2 diabetes and hypertension with recent evidence suggesting stronger associations in women”, according to a recent report [1].
Poor sleep quality, defined as long periods to fall asleep (>30 minutes), was associated with greater psychosocial distress, higher fasting insulin, fibrinogen and higher levels of the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 only for women. A survey by the National Sleep Foundation shows that 60% of female respondents suffer from poor sleep and 43% suffer from daytime sleepiness which adversely affects daily activities.
In another study [2], delayed sleep phase syndrome is associated with irregular menstrual cycles and increased premenstrual symptoms in women. Sleep quality is even likely to deteriorate during and after menopause.
Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Minnesota [3] found strong associations between disturbed sleep and mortalities in men older than 67.
References:
1. Suarez EC. Self-reported symptoms of sleep disturbance and inflammation, coagulation, insulin resistance and psychosocial distress: Evidence for gender disparity. Brain Behav Immun. 2008 Mar 5. [Epub ahead of print] Links
2. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome Linked to Irregular Menstrual Cycles, Premenstrual Symptoms in Women. Press release 10 June 2008.
3. University of Minnesota News. Disturbed Rest, Activity Linked to Mortality in Older Men. 11 June 2008.
No Comments
Be the first to comment!