2026 NIH Research Conference on Sleep and the Health of Women (SHOW 2026)
October 14, 2026 - October 16, 2026
The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR) and partners across the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will convene the 2026 NIH Research Conference on Sleep and the Health of Women (SHOW 2026) October 14th-16th, 2026 on the NIH campus.
Sleep is a biological necessity and for women, sleep needs and patterns are shaped by hormonal changes, life stages, and social pressures in ways that science is only beginning to fully understand. Poor sleep is a direct risk for serious health conditions that disproportionately affect women, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep challenges are also particularly common during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause, and new research suggests that sleep problems during pregnancy may have lasting effects on both mothers and their children.
This free, public event will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and poster sessions covering the latest science on sleep and women’s health. Whether you are a researcher, a health care provider, or simply someone who wants to learn more, SHOW 2026 is an opportunity to be part of an important national conversation.