A study published in Menopause highlights the need to treat sleep disorders in this age group.
30 to 60% of middle-aged women experience regular sleep disturbances. This problem is associated with a decrease in the quality of life and various negative health consequences. At the same time, 44% of women of this age suffer from sexual dysfunction, 15% experience significant stress in connection with it.
Sexual dysfunction in women
According to the American definition, it is «a clinically significant disorder in the capacity for sexual response and sexual pleasure» that lasts at least 6 months. It may include:
- Orgasmic disorders (lack of orgasm, it takes an unusually long time to reach it).
- Decreased interest in sex, impaired arousal (may include lack of sexual fantasies, decreased response to sexual stimuli, etc.).
- Pain associated with sex (and anxiety about it) ).
Over 3400 women took part in the new study, their average age was 53 years. The researchers assessed the participants' sleep on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale, which includes questions about falling asleep, sleep duration, use of sleeping pills, daytime sluggishness, and others.
It turned out that in women who sleep poorly, the risk of developing sexual dysfunction is about 2 times higher than in those who sleep well. At the same time, research has shown that good sleep in women is associated with greater sexual activity.
The results of the study are not surprising, said study co-author Dr. Stephanie Faubion of the Mayo Clinic, who is also the medical director of the North American Menopause Research Society. CNN quotes her words: «If you offer a tired woman sleep and sex, she will always choose sleep.» Faubion believes that doctors should regularly ask their patients about the quality of their sleep. If it is unsatisfactory, then one of the next questions should be about sex life: with a high probability it is also not in order.
“This study highlights the link between poor sleep quality and sexual dysfunction. These are two common problems faced by women in middle age. Medical care for them can improve the quality of life,” Faubion said in a press release from the North American Society for the Study of Menopause.