Results of a study show that women are significantly more likely to be treated for sleep disorders or disturbances following an induced abortion compared to a birth. The observed risk was highest in the first 180 days after pregnancy outcome but was not significant after the third year.

The authors examined the records of 15,345 women who had an induced abortion and 41,479 women who gave birth. Women with a history of treatment for sleep disorders during the period prior to the pregnancy outcome were excluded.

Compared to women who carry unintended pregnancies to term, research shows that women who have abortions are more susceptible to generalized anxiety disorder and depression and are more likely to receive psychiatric treatment, according to background information in the article. Sleep disorders are often linked to a mood disorder and are a common complaint related to posttraumatic stress disorder.

?Clinicians may be able to make more-appropriate referrals for counseling if they are aware of these potential relationships,? the authors write.

SLEEP is the official journal of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, a joint venture of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society. Go online to www.journalsleep.org.

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