The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR) and partners across the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will convene the 2026 NIH Research Conference on Sleep and the Health of Women (SHOW 2026) October 14th-16th, 2026 on the NIH campus.

Sleep is a biological necessity and for women, sleep needs and patterns are shaped by hormonal changes, life stages, and social pressures in ways that science is only beginning to fully understand. Poor sleep is a direct risk for serious health conditions that disproportionately affect women, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Sleep challenges are also particularly common during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause, and new research suggests that sleep problems during pregnancy may have lasting effects on both mothers and their children.

The first SHOW conference, held in 2018, brought together researchers, clinicians, and public health experts to discuss the state of the science and opportunities to expand sleep and circadian research and the health of women. The 2026 conference builds on that work, reflecting nearly a decade of new discoveries and an urgent need to close remaining gaps in research and care.

This free, public event will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and poster sessions covering the latest science on sleep and women's health. Whether you are a researcher, a healthcare provider, or simply someone who wants to learn more, SHOW 2026 is an opportunity to be part of an important national conversation.

Objectives:

1. Showcase NIH-supported sleep and circadian research advances
2. Increase awareness of sleep-related health risks and available interventions
3. Identify critical knowledge gaps and opportunities to implementing sleep- and circadian-based solutions to optimize the health of women and girls

Location:

Natcher Conference Center, Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium
45 Center Dr.
National Institute of Health
Bethesda, MD 20894
CAMPUS MAP

The conference will be livestreamed for the virtual audience.

Date:

October 14 5-7pm ET
October 15-16 8:30am-5:30pm ET

Registration:

Registration is required for both virtual and in-person attendance. Registration is available through September 21, 2026 here: Register Now

Due to security requirements at NIH facilities, non-US citizens wishing to attend in person must register by September 4, 2026. More information on NIH security policies is available here: https://security.nih.gov/visitors/Pages/default.aspx

Abstract Submission for Poster Session:

The conference planning committee invites abstract submissions for poster presentations to highlight emerging research topics focused on sleep and the health of women across the lifespan. Abstracts should clearly outline a compelling research question, your specific methodology and results, and broader implications of your work. Abstracts will also be considered for relevance to women’s health and alignment with conference themes.

Submit an abstract for a poster presentation here: Abstract Submission Form

Abstract Submission closes July 27, 2026