Women’s Program at the Jefferson Sleep Disorders CenterSleep problems are twice as common in women, typically spanning three major life phases: the onset of the menstrual cycle;
pregnancy; and the onset of menopause. During each phase, physiological changes, psychological factors and socio-cultural
influences can lead to sleep disturbances and related complications. These problems can have serious effects on a woman’s
day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life.
At the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center, we recognize the unique characteristics of women’s sleep challenges and offer expert
diagnosis and treatment. We’re sensitive to the enormous time constraints women face today, and we know how profoundly a lack
of time can affect sleep. Above all, we’re committed to working closely with our female patients and our team of specialists
from psychology, pulmonary medicine, otolaryngology, obstetrics and gynecology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery to thoroughly
understand each individual’s circumstances – and recommend an optimal course of treatment.
Please contact us if you or a woman you love is experiencing problems with sleep – including any of these common sleep complaints:
- Insomnia – which includes difficulty falling asleep, trouble maintaining sleep, waking too early in the morning and feeling
“unrefreshed” throughout the day – often occurs with the onset of menses. Some women experience insomnia every month. Over
time, these repetitive bouts can lead to severe mood changes and anxiety which, ultimately, can have a profound impact on
interpersonal relationships and performance at home and at work.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder associated with increased testosterone production and manifested by menstrual irregularities,
excess hair and obesity, as well as increased incidence of diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer. This syndrome is
also associated with an increased incidence of obstructive sleep apnea – and treating that condition can have a significant
impact on weight loss, diabetes and quality of life.
- Poor-quality sleep during pregnancy can lead to premature labor. Pregnancy is also when many women first experience sleep
disorders – such as restless leg syndrome, periodic leg movement disorder and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
- During the menopausal transition, 40 to 50 percent of women report problems with sleep. These are sometimes attributed to
hot flashes and night sweats. Short-term hormonal replacement therapy, antidepressants and non-pharmacologic therapy have
been shown to help.
- Eighty percent of working women report fatigue and exhaustion, and 60 percent have difficulty sleeping. In particular, women
who perform shift work are at a higher risk for menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriage and low-birthweight infants
due to altered sleep and circadian rhythms.
Contact the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center
If you or your physician feel you would benefit from a consultation at the Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center, you can schedule
an appointment by:
- Calling 1-800-JEFF-NOW (1-800-533-3669)
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's Physician Referral Service
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- Speech or hearing impaired callers can access JEFF NOW® by calling 1-800-654-5984
- International callers please dial 1-215-955-0818
- Filling out our online appointment request form.
