sleep network

Sleep health is affected by many biological, social, and environmental factors, which are in turn influenced by a person’s sex and gender.

For example, women and men may have the same sleep problems but present with different symptoms. This indicates the need for unique screening, diagnosis, and treatments for women and men, which could significantly improve sleep health for all.

What we’re doing

Women and Sleep: A Guide for Better Health
Though sleep is essential to health and wellbeing, the unique barriers faced by women in maintaining good sleep health are often misunderstood or overlooked, according to SWHR's resource, Women & Sleep: A Guide for Better Health.
Blog Post
Addressing the Intersection of Narcolepsy and Maternal Health Care
11.17.23
During the 5th Annual Scientific Conference of SBSM earlier this month, SWHR held the symposium "Addressing the Intersection of Narcolepsy and Maternal Health Care."
Blog Post
Join SWHR in Taking Care of Women Caregivers this November
11.06.23
This November, during Family Caregivers Month and ahead of Giving Tuesday on November 28, SWHR is shining a light on women caregivers and showing our support for the role that they play in society.
Blog Post
Narcolepsy Toolkit Strives to Make Women’s Sleep Health A Priority
10.31.22
The Narcolepsy Toolkit includes information about sleep health across the lifespan to support women living with narcolepsy and their families as they navigate diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Blog Post
Narcolepsy in the Workplace: Considerations for Employers and Employees
09.20.22
Narcolepsy can affect all aspects of a person’s life, including work life. Know management and wellness tips for narcolepsy in the workplace.
Blog Post
Gynecologic Network Meeting Spotlights Areas for Endometriosis Research
07.14.22
SWHR's Gynecologic Health Network meeting in June 2022 covered the connections between endometriosis and pelvic pain and abnormal sleep in women.
Blog Post
Acknowledging the Dual Realities of Parent and Caregiver: A Mother’s Journey with Her Daughter’s Narcolepsy
06.14.22
Tammy Anderson, an advocate and volunteer with Wake Up Narcolepsy, shared her experience caring for her child with narcolepsy.
Blog Post
Rising to a Better Tomorrow: Addressing the Impact of Narcolepsy on Women’s Health  
04.25.22
SWHR's interdisciplinary working group of health care providers, researchers, patients and patient advocates, and policy leaders met to discuss the state of narcolepsy research and treatment for women.
Blog Post
Living with Sleep Apnea
03.18.22
Sarah Gorman, patient advocate and president of the Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners (ASAP), shared her story of living with sleep apnea.
Blog Post
COVID-19 Pandemic Is a Nightmare for Women’s Sleep
05.11.20
Women are more prone to certain sleep difficulties than men. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating these sleep problems.
Blog Post
Struggling to ‘Spring Forward’? Rethink Your Sleep Routine
03.11.19
Science is telling us more clearly all the time that we are setting ourselves up for failure by ignoring sleep as a critical part of the equation for good health.