Sex and gender differences

Numerous biological, psychological, and social factors related to sex and gender contribute to differences in insomnia prevalence, experience, and correlates across the lifespan. Individuals assigned female at birth have higher rates of insomnia from puberty onward, a difference attributable in part to sex-based differences such as cyclical hormonal fluctuations of menstruation and hormonal and other physiological changes associated with pregnancy and menopause. Gender-related factors contributing to insomnia include differences in socioeconomic status and burdens related to caregiving and household responsibilities. More research is needed which identifies insomnia prevalence and experiences of individuals from sexual and gender minorities.