Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where a person’s breathing patterns are disrupted while they sleep, causing them to stop breathing for a few seconds or even minutes.

This can happen multiple times throughout the night, disrupting sleep patterns and causing a range of health issues. While sleep apnea is often considered a male-dominated condition, recent studies indicate that women are also at risk.

What is sleep apnea?

There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, occurring when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open during sleep, resulting in breathing cessation. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not properly signal the muscles to breathe. Complex sleep apnea, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headaches, excessive sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

Why are women at risk for sleep apnea?

Historically, sleep apnea has been thought of as a condition that affects only overweight men. However, recent studies have shown that women are also at risk.

One study found that up to 50% of women with symptoms of sleep apnea are undiagnosed due to the misconception that sleep apnea primarily affects men.

Research suggests that hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s menstrual cycle, menopause, and pregnancy may contribute to sleep apnea.

During pregnancy, for example, the increased weight gain and hormonal changes can cause changes in a woman’s airway, increasing the risk of sleep apnea. Menopausal women also have an increased risk of sleep apnea due to declining estrogen levels, which can lead to changes in the upper airway muscles.

What are the health risks of sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

It can also cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to daytime fatigue and drowsiness, making it difficult to concentrate, perform daily tasks, and even drive safely.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

The most common diagnostic tool for sleep apnea is a sleep study. This involves spending a night in a sleep lab, where doctors monitor your breathing patterns, heart rate, and oxygen levels while you sleep.

The results of the test will help the doctor determine whether you have sleep apnea and what type of treatment is needed.

What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?

There are several treatment options for sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, positional therapy, and CPAP therapy. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight or avoiding alcohol and sedatives can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea.

Positional therapy involves sleeping in a specific position, such as on your side, to reduce the likelihood of airway obstruction. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over your face at night that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep your airway open.

What can women do to reduce their risk of sleep apnea?

While sleep apnea is a serious condition, there are steps women can take to reduce their risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on your side can all help reduce the severity of sleep apnea.

Women who are pregnant or going through menopause should discuss their risk of sleep apnea with their doctor and consider being screened for the condition if they experience symptoms.

The Bottom Line

While sleep apnea has traditionally been seen as a condition that primarily affects overweight men, recent studies have shown that women are also at risk.

Hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s menstrual cycle, menopause, and pregnancy can all contribute to an increased risk of sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of health complications, making it important for women to be aware of their risk and seek treatment if needed.