Women Get Sleep Apnea Too: Be Alert for Symptoms

Decades ago, heart disease was thought of as a “man’s disease.” Similarly, one of the most common sleep disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has received a masculine label.

OSA affects half as many women as men, but it is far from rare—about six percent of women suffer from this condition.

OSA is characterized by repeated episodes of the throat’s closing or narrowing enough to restrict airflow while sleeping, which results in numerous brief disruptions of sleep, as well as poor sleep quality.

Untreated OSA is a risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, and is associated with overall decreased well-being. The “textbook” symptoms include loud snoring, episodes of gasping for air often witnessed by bed partners, excessive daytime sleepiness, and waking up unrefreshed. Women with OSA report that they tend to be as sleepy as men, but they are more likely to report insomnia, depression, and fatigue rather than snoring or gasping.

Another difference among men and women is the change in their OSA risk throughout their lifespans. While a man’s risk increases linearly as he ages, a woman’s risk is relatively low until menopause, and then sharply increases to reach that of
similar-age men.

The prevalence of OSA in women is underestimated, and the condition is underdiagnosed. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, report them to your doctor: Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent other serious health conditions and improve your quality of life.

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