Did you know that more than 90% of women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are undiagnosed? Women often have to balance work, family, social obligations, and everything else in between - so feeling “off” may seem like a natural consequence. off day to day and they don’t know why. However, for many women at risk, sleep apnea may be a silent contributor. Let’s dive in to understand the difference in women’s symptoms with OSA so you know what to be on the look out for.
How Do Sleep Apnea Symptoms Differ in Women?
Historically, OSA has been thought of as being more common in males. A symptom people imagine when they think of someone that would have sleep apnea is loud snoring. But women's symptoms can look very different; it is estimated that 40% of women don’t experience the classic diagnostic symptoms of sleep apnea. This can cause misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis - leading to a longer time for women to be diagnosed and treated.
Why women's symptoms differ
Women's symptoms can be more subtle than men's and are often misattributed to stress, hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, or menopause.
Symptoms women may experience include:
- Nighttime awakenings and insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Abnormal early morning awakenings
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Waking up tired even after a full night of sleep
- Morning headaches
- Mood changes, depression, and anxiety
Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
- Postmenopausal women: Up to 67% of postmenopausal women develop sleep apnea, possibly due to declining estrogen and progesterone levels.
- Women with obesity: Women with a BMI over 30 and/or a neck circumference larger than 16 inches face significantly higher risk for sleep apnea.
- Pregnant women: OSA risk increases by 27% during pregnancy due to hormonal and physical changes.
- Women with PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) increases OSA risk by almost ten times due to hormonal abnormalities.
What Happens if Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?
Untreated OSA is not just about feeling tired and sluggish throughout the day, it is also linked to a range of other health issues in women.
Left untreated, OSA can contribute to:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cognitive impairment
- Pregnancy complications
- Difficulties at work and an increased risk of accidents
Break the Sleep Apnea Cycle
To sum up: OSA is not a disease only affecting men! It affects women, often silently - but can still have serious consequences. If you are struggling with unexplained fatigue, insomnia, or mood changes, don’t just brush it off as stress or getting older.
The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable, and with treatment, you can even reverse some of the OSA symptoms you have been experiencing. Imagine, waking up in the morning feeling rested and ready to tackle any challenges throughout the day with more ease. Now that you understand that there might be something more to your headaches, irritability, and brain fog, what should you do next?
Discover Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Finding a sleep specialist is important, so you have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms with someone who understands. It’s important to explain everything you are experiencing, so it may be helpful to write symptoms down beforehand so you can better advocate for your concerns. The more details you are able to give your doctors, the more they can help.
At Ognomy Sleep, we’re revolutionizing how sleep apnea is managed by offering streamlined, at-home care powered by technology—helping you connect with specialists quickly and experience meaningful results in a matter of weeks. If you think you are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea, our team can help with personalized testing and therapy. Schedule a telehealth appointment today to discuss the wide range of treatment options available for optimal sleep, and optimal health.
