The relation of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea on sexual function and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of insomnia combined with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on sexual function and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Our sample comprised 47 postmenopausal women distributed into 3 groups: 1) insomnia group, 2) OSA group, and 3) OSA + insomnia group. All participants completed the following questionnaires: the Insomnia Severity Index, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Blatt-Kupperman menopausal index. Of the 47 participants, 34 women undergone polysomnography. The 3 groups were compared in respect of climacteric symptoms, sexual function score, and sleep.

Results

Our results showed that 85.1% of the postmenopausal women were classified with insomnia, 46.8% were diagnosed with OSA, and 82.9% had low sexual function. All groups had sleep efficiency of < 80%, wake after sleep onset of > 65 min, and a total sleep time of < 6 h, indicating poor sleep quality. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in all sexual domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). According to climacteric symptoms, the group of OSA + insomnia reported more climacteric symptoms when compared to OSA group.

Conclusions

In our sample, the presence of insomnia and OSA associated with postmenopause revealed a low score for sexual function. Climacteric symptoms were higher in the groups with insomnia, and the association with low sexual function can lead to worsening of clinical condition. This study emphasizes the importance to identify the sleep disorders that postmenopausal women may present and to consider the possible effects they may have in sexual dysfunction.