When people picture sleep apnea, they often imagine an older man who snores loudly. But women get sleep apnea too, and their symptoms are often different and easier to dismiss. As a result, many women go years without a diagnosis.
Why sleep apnea in women gets missed
Women are less likely to report loud snoring or witnessed pauses in breathing. Instead, they’re more likely to describe symptoms that are easy to blame on stress, a busy life or hormones. Doctors may look for other explanations first.
Symptoms women commonly report
- Feeling tired or unrefreshed even after a full night’s sleep
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, which can look like insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Anxiety, low mood or irritability
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Waking up often during the night
- Lighter snoring that partners may not notice
Life stages that raise the risk
Menopause. The risk of sleep apnea in women rises after menopause. Changing hormone levels may affect the muscles that keep the airway open.
Pregnancy. Weight gain, fluid shifts and nasal congestion during pregnancy can lead to snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. Talk to your OB if you snore loudly or feel very sleepy while pregnant.
Weight changes. Weight gain, especially around the neck, increases the risk for everyone.
Why it matters
Untreated sleep apnea can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, and it can affect mood and daily energy. Getting the right diagnosis can make a big difference in how you feel.
Ask about a sleep study
If you’ve been told “it’s just stress” but your tiredness won’t go away, it’s reasonable to ask your doctor whether a sleep study makes sense. A home sleep test or an in-lab sleep study can show what’s happening while you sleep.
Book a sleep study in Deerfield Beach
Ready to get answers and better sleep? Call 1-800-481-3870 or request an appointment online. International Institute of Sleep is headquartered at 2151 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 100, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, and serves patients throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms, and don’t stop or change a prescribed treatment without their guidance.
