Sleep apnea is a common yet often under-recognized sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. While it’s widely acknowledged that sleep apnea affects men more frequently, its impact on women is significant and warrants closer attention. The condition can lead to a variety of health issues, and its symptoms in women can be quite different from those typically observed in men.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is broadly classified into three types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. OSA, the most common form, occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, results from a failure of the brain to send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of OSA and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The classic symptoms of sleep apnea are well known. Many people experience:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Extreme daytime fatigue
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
These signs often make it easier for doctors to suspect sleep apnea.
How Sleep Apnea Symptoms Can Differ in Women
Women may experience sleep apnea very differently. Instead of loud snoring, symptoms often include:
- Ongoing fatigue
- Insomnia or poor sleep quality
- Morning headaches
- Mood changes such as anxiety or depression
Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, sleep apnea is often overlooked in women.
Why Sleep Apnea Is Often Missed in Women
Women are more likely to be diagnosed with conditions like insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or depression instead of sleep apnea. This delay in diagnosis can prevent them from getting the right treatment. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health issues.
Health Risks for Women
Sleep apnea in women can lead to numerous health risks, many of which are compounded by the unique physiological and hormonal differences between men and women.
Cardiovascular Health
Women with sleep apnea face a higher risk of heart problems. The condition increases strain on the heart and blood vessels, which raises the chances of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Research shows women with sleep apnea experience more cardiovascular events than those without it.
Metabolic Health
Sleep apnea is closely linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Poor sleep disrupts how the body processes sugar and regulates insulin. Over time, this can lead to weight gain and a higher risk of diabetes.
Reproductive Health
Sleep apnea can affect hormone balance and reproductive health. It may worsen PMS symptoms and create added risks during pregnancy. Women with sleep apnea are more likely to develop gestational high blood pressure and preeclampsia, which can lead to early delivery and complications.
Mental Health
Sleep apnea also affects emotional well-being. Women with this condition are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Ongoing sleep loss and daytime fatigue make it harder to regulate mood and manage stress.
Challenges in Treatment
Treating sleep apnea in women can be more complex because symptoms often look different and hormones play a role. CPAP therapy remains the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, many women struggle with CPAP due to discomfort or feeling that it is not helping enough. More research is still needed to better tailor treatment to the unique needs of women.
Other treatment options may include weight management, sleep position changes, and custom oral appliances through dental sleep medicine. These approaches can be effective when carefully matched to a patient’s health history and symptoms. Managing underlying conditions such as obesity or diabetes is also an important part of long-term sleep apnea care.
Dr. Michael Kuzma offers airway management using custom oral appliances when prescribed by your doctor. These appliances are designed to improve breathing during sleep in a comfortable and effective way, helping reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve overall sleep quality.
The Path Forward
Because sleep apnea affects women differently, better awareness and diagnosis are critical. Healthcare providers must watch for less obvious symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, and mood changes. These signs are often mistaken for other conditions, which delays proper treatment.
Women also need to be aware of how sleep apnea can appear. Seeking medical care early can greatly improve daily life and reduce long-term health risks.
Sleep apnea is often viewed as a condition that mostly affects men, but its impact on women is serious and far-reaching. When the unique symptoms in women are recognized and properly treated, outcomes improve. With better awareness, accurate diagnosis, and personalized care, sleep apnea can be managed more effectively for everyone.
Contact Kuzma Advanced Dentistry Today
Are you a woman experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea? Call Kuzma Advanced Dentistry in Wilmington, NC, today at (910) 392-6060 so that we can assist you with scheduling and answer any questions you may have regarding what to expect at your first visit.
