Abstrakt

Introduction: Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder with prevalence rates between 6 and 10%. Typical symptoms of insomnia according to the ICD-10 classification include difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep with impaired mental state and daytime efficiency for at least 1 month. The PPP theory describes three groups of factors responsible for development and chronification of insomnia: predisposition, trigger-, and perpetuating factors. The hyperarousal model presents an explanation for the development of insomnia through heightened emotional, cognitive and physiological arousal. The goal of this paper was to find and describe gender differences in prevalence, clinical symptoms and treatment of insomnia. Methods: Overview of published literature. Results: Insomnia affects women more than men, through all stages of life. Women report more difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep, while men show more complaints of reduced daytime efficiency. The endogenous circadian rhythm in women is shorter than in men, women have higher cortisol levels in the morning, as well as higher density of beta activity in EEG. Puberty and/or peri-menopause can be critical live phases for onset of insomnia. In both women and men the prevalence of insomnia increases with age. Female insomnia is more often connected with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain. Concerning the therapy with atypical benzodiazepines, no gender differences have been reported. Discussion: The factors responsible for higher prevalence rates of insomnia in women can be divided into four groups: chronobiological, psychological, social, and physiological factors. Further studies should examine the gender differences in utilization and efficiency of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• K. Richter^{1, 2, 3}
• L. Peter¹
• G. Niklewski^{1, 3}

Abteilungen

• ¹ Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Paracelsus Private Medizinische Universität, Nürnberg,
• ² Fakultät für Sozialwissenschaften, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg, Georg Simon Ohm,
• ³ Fakultät für Medizin, Universität UGD, Stip, Mazedonien

Adresse

Prof. Dr. med. Kneginja Richter
Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Paracelsus Private Medizinische Universität
Klinikum Nürnberg
Prof. Ernst-Nathan Straße 1
90419 Nürnberg
Email: [email protected]

Citation