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Women and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

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Sleep Disorders in Women

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

Several studies over the years have demonstrated that sleep complaints in general, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), in particular, tend to be more prevalent among women. The 2007 Sleep in America poll of women age 40–60 years old found that 20% reported sleepiness that interfered with daily life (Chasens et al., Behav Sleep Med 8(3):157–71, 2010). This chapter discusses EDS due to primary sleep disorders other than Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) including Narcolepsy, Recurrent Hypersomnia, Idiopathic Hypersomnia, Behaviorally Induced Insufficient Sleep Syndrome as well as Hypersomnia Due to Medical condition and Hypersomnia Due to Drug or Substance. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by the tetrad of EDS, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic/hypnapompic hallucinations. Recurrent hypersomnia is characterized by recurrent episodes of hypersomnia often associated with other symptoms that typically last weeks or months apart. Episodes usually last a few days to several weeks and appear one to ten times a year. Sleep and general behavior must be normal between episodes. Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) and Menstrual-related hypersomnia are two distinct clinical subtypes of recurrent hypersomnia. Idiopathic hypersomnia is characterized by constant and severe excessive sleepiness. Naps are typically unrefreshing and post-awakening confusion (sleep drunkenness) is often reported. EDS is a very prevalent problem in developed societies. Women tend to complain more of EDS than men. This prevalence may partially be due to greater sleep deprivation, hormonal factors, and the higher incidence of some primary and secondary sleep disorders in women.

Note: In the previous edition of this book, the chapter on this subject was authored by Hrayr Attarian, MD

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S First Avenue, Building 54, Room 131A, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Nidhi S. Undevia

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Correspondence to Nidhi S. Undevia .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Sleep Medicine, Northwestern University, N. Lake Shore Drive 710, Chicago, 60611, Illinois, USA

    Hrayr P. Attarian

  2. , Department of Neurology, NorthShore Univ. HealthSystem, Ridge Avenue 2650, Evanston, 60201, Illinois, USA

    Mari Viola-Saltzman

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Undevia, N.S. (2013). Women and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. In: Attarian, H., Viola-Saltzman, M. (eds) Sleep Disorders in Women. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-324-4_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-324-4_12

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