Sleep and Menopause: Review
Journal Title: Open Access Journal of Reproductive System and Sexual Disorders - Year 2018, Vol 1, Issue 3
Abstract
Sleep consists of REM and non-REM (rapid eye movement) periods that happen cyclically. Each one lasts between 90 to 120 minutes, and in one night there are approximately 4 to 6 cycles. During the first half of the night, non-REM cycles predominate, which are related to physical and mental restitution. On the contrary, in the second half of the night, REM cycles predominate, which participate in mental and emotional functions, including memory [1]. According to ICSD-3 (International Classification of Sleep Disorders), sleep disturbances are classified as it shows on Figure 1 [2]. Insomnia is, by far, the most frequent condition, and this disorder includes any disorder in the conciliation or maintenance of sleep that produces diurnal disorders. Within respiratory disorders, there is the sleep apnea, which is defined as repeated episodes of collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This results in sleep quality deterioration due to intermittent hypoxemia, decreased REM sleep and slow wave sleep, which is important for memory. Affected patients complain of daytime sleepiness, insomnia and numerous of other symptoms (snoring, gasping, choking, memory impairment) leading to an impaired quality of life. The risk factors (RF) for its development are age, male sex and the presence of android obesity. Postmenopausal women present 2.6 to 3.5 times more risk than premenopausal women to present it. Physiological factors explaining this increased prevalence include weight gain, fat distribution changes due to increased testosterone production and a decreased level of circulating female gonadal hormones. Without treatment, it constitutes an independent RF for the development of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, stroke and therefore an increase in mortality [3]. And finally, less frequent disorders such as narcolepsy (within the group of hypersomnia), parasomnias (REM / non-REM) or restless legs syndrome (within movement disorders).
Authors and Affiliations
Starvaggi Agustina, Pilnik Susana, Belardo Maria Alejandra, Cavanna Malena, De Nardo Barbara, Gelin Marina
Keywords
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- EP ID EP637907
- DOI 10.32474/OAJRSD.2018.01.000115
- Views 116
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