Sleep Quality Subtypes in Midlife Women

Abstract

Eighty-two midlife women (40-59 years) were classified as poor or good sleepers according to either self-reported sleep quality or a sleep efficiency index (SEI) criterion, for comparison of wakefulness, fragmentation and other somnographic sleep variables; as well as psychological (SCL-90) and somatic symptom distress. When classified solely by self-report, the good and poor sleeper groups did not differ on any somnographic variables but self-declared poor sleepers had higher psychological distress scores than good sleepers (p less than or equal to 0.01). When classified solely by the SEI criterion, the good and poor sleepers did not differ on psychological distress but, as expected, differed on various somnographic wakefulness as well as rapid eye movement and stage 2 sleep variables. Further analysis of four subgroups derived by combining objective and subjective, good and poor sleep scores indicated that 15% of this sample (n = 12) perceived but had no objective evidence of poor sleep, and this group scored highest in psychological distress. Only seven women perceived poor sleep in concert with demonstrating low SEI. They scored highest in menopausal symptoms but not in general psychological distress.

Gender Differences in Polysomnographic Sleep in Young Healthy Sleepers

“…Thus, both men and women showed discrepancies between subjective sleepiness and objective sleep measures. Other laboratories also have reported such inaccuracies in healthy, nondepressed sleepers for certain sleep measures (Armitage et al, 1997;Baker et al, 1999;Frankel et al, 1976;Shaver et al, 1991). Therefore, collection of both kinds of measures is necessary for obtaining an accurate and complete assessment of sleep quality in younger populations.…”

Comparison of the in Vitro Estrogenic Activities of Compounds from Hops (Humulus lupulus) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

“…Many menopausal and post menopausal women suffer from a variety of complaints including depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes (1)(2)(3). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used as an effective method of treating various menopause-related symptoms (4).…”

Qualidade do sono em mulheres paulistanas no climatério

“…A literatura ainda não tem resposta sobre a maior eficácia de um ou outro tipo de avaliação. Levanta-se, inclusive, a possibilidade de que diferentes aspectos do sono podem estar sendo avaliados por diferentes tipos de instrumento 28 . Sugere, ainda, que a avaliação objetiva da qualidade do sono nem sempre coincide com a subjetiva, e, principalmente, que as mulheres que, subjetivamente, avaliam seu sono como de má qualidade são, em geral, aquelas que apresentam os maiores índices de desconforto psicológico.…”