Gender differences in obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia and restless legs syndrome in adults - What do we know? A clinical update

Abstract

Research in sleep medicine over the last decades has involved a broad variety of sleep disorders in both men and women. Gender differences have been identified in sleep physiology as well as in the three most common sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), insomnia and restless legs syndrome (RLS). However, research on gender differences in sleep medicine appears limited. This clinical review aims to give an updated overview of gender differences, in relation to prevalence, clinical presentation, treatment and quality of life in OSA, insomnia and RLS. Future research directions in the adult population will also be discussed.

Keywords: Clinical; Gender; Insomnia; Restless legs; Review; Sleep apnoea.