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Overview
This lecture will examine how sleep and emotional regulation are uniquely shaped by reproductive hormones across the female lifespan, from adolescence through menopause. Drawing on emerging research and clinical models, Dr. Meers will explore how fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone alter vulnerability to sleep disorders like OSA and insomnia, as well as co-occurring emotional problems. Implications for dental sleep medicine will be highlighted, particularly in the identification and management of women with comorbid insomnia, OSA, and emotional distress.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this lecture, participants will be able to:
- Describe how reproductive hormone changes influence sleep architecture, sleep continuity, and emotional regulation in women
- Identify common patterns of insomnia and emotional vulnerability in female dental sleep patients, including those using oral appliance therapy
- Apply a sleep-informed, sex-specific framework to improve screening, referral, and treatment planning in dental sleep medicine
Target Audience
Dentists and healthcare professionals treating women with sleep-related concerns or conditions affected by emotional and behavioral factors.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Jessica Meers, PhD, DBSM, is an Assistant Professor of Sleep Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine based in Houston, Texas. Her research focuses on the interaction between sleep, emotion, and women’s health, with emphasis on how reproductive functioning influences sleep regulation, emotional processing, and insomnia vulnerability. Dr. Meers has published extensively in this area, including work examining sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health across the lifespan. She is board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, a specialty that applies evidence-based psychological and behavioral interventions to the treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and comorbid sleep and medical conditions. In addition to her research, Dr. Meers directs Rhythm Wellness, where she specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and women’s sleep health. Her work bridges clinical care and translational research, with the goal of improving sleep and emotional well-being through science-driven, patient-centered approaches.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Dr. Meers has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
Additional Information
Content for this lecture was last reviewed and approved by the AADSM, on March 12, 2026.
Original record date: March 12, 2026
Expiration date: None*
*Course content is reviewed every 3 years to ensure it is current and accurate. Should it be determined that course content is no longer current or accurate, content will expire. The AADSM will communicate that information to all registered attendees and course access will be removed.
This educational offering was funded exclusively by the AADSM. For questions regarding the content of this program or for technical assistance, contact the AADSM at info@aadsm.org or 630-686-9875.
Continuing Education
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ADA.org/cerp. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine designates this activity for 1 continuing education credit(s).