Sleep disorders in gynecology: childhood, adolescence, fertility

Good sleep quality has a high impact on physical and mental health. Sleep is controlled through complex interactions of psychological, neurophysiological and endocrinological factors. Human reproduction induces a special female physiological and endocrinological status which means that women sleep differently to men. These differences are already present in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood and gain significance in the reproductive phase of life. The female sex hormones interact with the important sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. Sleep is modified by the menstrual cycle and modulates fertility. Knowledge about the fascinating and interesting distinctive features of women's sleep in the first half of life and the integration of psychological, chronobiological and sleep medical factors into gynecological patient care can avoid the development of sleep disorders.