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Coimbatore

Sleep Apnea in Women: A Hidden Health Crisis

Dr Jayakumar Rajagopal Senior Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and World Sleep Society Certified Sleep Specialist

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Sleep Apnea in Women: An Overlooked Health Risk

Sleep apnea, often associated with loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is typically considered a “male issue,” growing evidence suggests that sleep apnea is equally concerning for women. However, the symptoms in women can be less obvious, leading to underdiagnosis and, in many cases, delayed treatment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much, blocking the airway. These pauses in breathing can last for 10 seconds or longer and may occur dozens of times per hour. As a result, sleep becomes fragmented and the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to serious health risks.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women

While the hallmark symptoms of sleep apnea in men include loud snoring and noticeable pauses in breathing, the symptoms in women can be more subtle. Women may experience:

• Fatigue and Insomnia: Women with sleep apnea often report feeling exhausted during the day, but they are more likely to experience insomnia than men.

• Morning Headaches: Waking up with a headache is a common sign of disrupted sleep due to oxygen deprivation.

• Mood Changes: Depression, anxiety, and irritability can result from poor-quality sleep.

• Restless Sleep: Women may experience frequent awakenings without realizing they are caused by breathing difficulties.

• Unrefreshing Sleep: Despite sleeping for a full night, women with sleep apnea often wake up feeling unrefreshed and tired.

Because these symptoms can be mistaken for stress, hormonal changes, or other conditions, women are often misdiagnosed with other issues like depression, chronic fatigue, or insomnia. As a result, their sleep apnea can go unnoticed for years.

Risk Factors for Women

While men are more likely to develop sleep apnea, certain factors put women at higher risk:

• Menopause: The hormonal changes during menopause, particularly the drop in progesterone levels, increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Progesterone helps keep the airway muscles tense during sleep, and a decline in this hormone can lead to airway relaxation and collapse.

• Weight Gain: Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea in both men and women, but women are more likely to gain weight during menopause, further increasing their risk.

• Pregnancy: Sleep apnea can develop or worsen during pregnancy due to weight gain and hormonal shifts, particularly in the third trimester. It is also linked to complications like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea in Women

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health problems, many of which disproportionately affect women:

• Cardiovascular Disease: Women with sleep apnea have an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

• Type 2 Diabetes: Disrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation can lead to insulin resistance, raising the risk of developing diabetes.

• Mental Health Issues: Sleep apnea can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are more prevalent in women.

• Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight in their babies.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing sleep apnea in women often requires awareness of the less obvious symptoms. If a woman experiences unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or sleep disturbances, it is important to consider sleep apnea as a potential cause. A sleep study, either at home or in a clinic, can confirm the diagnosis.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses a machine to deliver a steady stream of air, keeping the airway open during sleep. Other treatments may include weight loss, positional therapy, or surgery in severe cases.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is not just a male issue—it is a serious and underdiagnosed condition in women. With the right awareness and treatment, women can improve their sleep quality and protect their long-term health. If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained fatigue, mood swings, or disrupted sleep, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider about sleep apnea.

Recognizing the signs early can lead to timely treatment and a better quality of life.

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