A new study has found that sleep apnea poses the biggest hazard to women’s health, increasing their risk of heart disease and death.

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects more than 22 million Americans, with women making up around one-third of these cases.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. These lapses in breathing can last for a few seconds to over a minute, and can occur numerous times throughout the night.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea, and occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep.

Health Risks of Sleep Apnea

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a number of serious health problems. The risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are all increased in people with sleep apnea.

In addition, sleep apnea can make it difficult to concentrate during the day, leading to decreased productivity and an increased risk of accidents.

Women and Sleep Apnea

The recent study, published in the journal Circulation, found that women with sleep apnea were more likely to experience cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Women with severe sleep apnea were also more likely to die from any cause than those without the condition. The study evaluated more than 1,000 women between the ages of 20 and 70 who were referred to a sleep center for evaluation of suspected sleep apnea.

Why Sleep Apnea is More Dangerous for Women

There are a number of reasons why sleep apnea may pose a greater threat to women’s health than to men’s.

One reason is that women are often diagnosed with sleep apnea later in life than men, when the condition has already begun to take a toll on their health. Women are also more likely to experience symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, and depression, rather than the more typical symptoms of snoring and daytime sleepiness.

This may make it more difficult for women to recognize that they have sleep apnea, and delay their diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea typically involves lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and quitting smoking.

In addition, many people with sleep apnea use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.

Take Action for Your Health

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can improve your sleep quality, reduce your risk of serious health conditions, and improve your overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans, with women making up a significant portion of those affected.

The recent study published in Circulation highlights the increased risk of cardiovascular events and death in women with sleep apnea. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider and seek appropriate treatment.