Imagine your body as a symphony, where sex hormones, sleep, and memory play different melodies that intertwine and harmonize. As we age, the chances of experiencing memory problems and sleep disturbances increase, especially for women. Women have double the risk compared to men when it comes to sleep issues and cognitive decline like Alzheimer’s disease. One reason behind this disparity lies in the fluctuations of female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, throughout a woman’s life. These hormonal changes affect not only women during menopause but also throughout their menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In this fascinating review, researchers delve into the connections between female sex hormones, sleep patterns, and memory performance across the various stages of a woman’s life. They explore potential factors that influence these relationships and shed light on how understanding them can help us assess the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. So let’s join this scientific concert of research and discover more about the intriguing interplay between our hormones, sleep, and memory!
As the population of older adults grows, so will the prevalence of aging-related conditions, including memory impairments and sleep disturbances, both of which are more common among women. Compared to older men, older women are up to twice as likely to experience sleep disturbances and are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). These sex differences may be attributed in part to fluctuations in levels of female sex hormones (i.e., estrogen and progesterone) that occur across the adult female lifespan. Though women tend to experience the most significant sleep and memory problems during the peri-menopausal period, changes in memory and sleep have also been observed across the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Here, we review current knowledge on the interrelationships among female sex hormones, sleep, and memory across the female lifespan, propose possible mediating and moderating mechanisms linking these variables and describe implications for ADRD risk in later life.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.