Women & Sleep Apnea: Busting the Myths

Understanding Sleep Apnea in Women

Many women may overlook sleep apnea, assuming it’s a condition primarily affecting men. Yet, sleep apnea is a significant issue for women, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Let’s break down some myths:

• Only men get apnea. WRONG! Women are affected too, especially post-menopause.
• Women only have apnea if they’re overweight. WRONG! Apnea occurs in women of all body types.
• The only solution is a C-PAP machine. WRONG! Other treatments are available based on severity.
• Apnea just affects sleep. WRONG! It impacts overall health, contributing to serious health conditions.

Let’s explore the real facts about sleep apnea in women and why you should be aware of it.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea involves episodes of interrupted breathing, ranging from mild to severe, measured by the number of interruptions per hour. It’s one of the top causes of poor-quality sleep and has recognizable symptoms:

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Observed episodes of stopped breathing
• Nighttime urination
• Morning headaches, dry mouth, sore throat
• Daytime fatigue and trouble concentrating

Yes, Women Get Sleep Apnea Too

Sleep apnea is frequently underdiagnosed in women, often stereotyped as a “man’s issue” or linked to obesity. Yet, recent studies reveal that sleep apnea is more prevalent among women than previously thought. Here are some eye-opening statistics:

• One in four women is at risk for sleep apnea.
• Pregnancy increases risk.
• Each year of perimenopause adds approximately 4% to your apnea risk.
• After menopause, women experience sleep apnea at the same rate as men, with an estimated 47–67% affected.
• Though higher BMI increases risk, women with normal or low BMI also experience apnea.

If your fatigue or insomnia is due to sleep apnea, no other remedy will solve it—sleep apnea must be directly addressed. If you do have a high BMI and apnea, check out my article Understanding Metabolic Health: A Guide for Women.

Why Aren’t More Women Diagnosed?

When men report fatigue, sleep apnea is quickly considered. But for women, doctors may focus on thyroid issues, depression, or menopause symptoms instead. This gender gap means fewer women are referred for sleep studies and are underrepresented in clinical research. Thankfully, this trend is changing, and awareness is growing.

Women’s Symptoms Are Often Different

Women don’t always exhibit the classic apnea symptoms of snoring or observable breathing interruptions. Instead, they may report general symptoms like insomnia, headaches, anxiety, or palpitations. Here’s a breakdown of symptoms that women with sleep apnea often experience:

• Difficulty falling asleep (32%)
• Difficulty staying asleep (19%)
• Restless legs syndrome (33%)
• Daytime sleepiness (24%)
• Body movement during sleep (60%)
• Snoring (61%)
• Observable stopped breathing episodes (7%)

Women may also experience additional symptoms such as:

• Changes in dreaming
• Nighttime heartburn
• Daytime irritability
• Feelings of overwhelm
• Anxiety, depression, forgetfulness
• Tendency to be accident-prone

Why Sleep Apnea Is a Health Concern for Women

Apnea isn’t just about restless nights; it’s linked to severe health risks, including:

• Systemic inflammation: Increases in C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-6—markers of inflammation.
• Cardiovascular risks: Higher likelihood of heart failure and atrial fibrillation, independent of weight.
• Pregnancy complications: Increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• High blood pressure and stroke risk.
• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup from oxidative stress, damaging arterial linings.
• Depression.

For women, taking sleep apnea seriously is a powerful step in protecting overall health. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, consider testing at home or at a sleep clinic. And remember, not all women with apnea require a C-PAP machine—alternative treatments exist based on the severity.

Be proactive about your sleep health, and empower yourself with the knowledge that apnea can and should be addressed, especially during life stages like perimenopause and menopause. To learn more about sleep during this transitional time, read Quality Sleep in Perimenopause: Understanding the Challenges.

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