Sleep-disordered breathing and gynecology Part 1: Principles and epidemiology

Cooperation between internal medicine, sleep medicine, and gynecology can contribute to better care of female patients. Gender-specific differences influence the frequency of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in women; age, reproductive phase, and the menopausal transition play an influential role. Different forms of SDB, e.g., obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS), the rapid eye movement (REM)-OSAS frequently seen in women, and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), can have consequences for female sexual function, something that has long been recognized in men with SBD. For some gynecological diseases, the cooperation of gynecology, internal medicine, endocrinology, and sleep medicine is essential, polycystic ovary syndrome being the prime example. Also in pregnancy can SBD have negative effects on mother and child.