Did you know that 80% of people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it? Even more surprising, 90% of women with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. This widespread lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, ultimately affecting long-term health and quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, narrowing or closing the airway. This results in disrupted sleep, reduced oxygen levels, and a variety of potential health issues.
Why Does Sleep Apnea Go Undiagnosed in Women?
One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing sleep apnea—especially in women—is that the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions. While men often exhibit classic symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep, women’s symptoms tend to be more nuanced, making misdiagnosis more likely.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women:
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Morning headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
- Daytime sleepiness or difficulty concentrating
Because these symptoms can resemble insomnia, depression, or even menopausal changes, many women are misdiagnosed, delaying proper treatment.
The Risks of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea can have serious consequences. When left untreated, it increases the risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cognitive decline and memory problems
- Daytime fatigue and impaired daily functioning
How to Get Tested for Sleep Apnea
If you wake up feeling unrefreshed, experience unexplained fatigue, or suspect something is off with your sleep, it’s worth considering sleep apnea as a possible cause.
Getting tested usually involves a sleep study, which can be done at a sleep center or at home using a portable sleep monitor. These tests measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs while you sleep to help determine if you have sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
The good news? Sleep apnea is treatable! Once diagnosed, there are several effective treatment options:
- Lifestyle changes – Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and adjusting sleep positions can sometimes help.
- CPAP therapy – A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine keeps airways open by providing a steady stream of air during sleep.
- Oral appliances – Custom-fitted devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction.
- Surgery – In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue blocking the airway.
Take Charge of Your Sleep Health
If these symptoms sound familiar or if you’ve been struggling with unexplained fatigue, don’t ignore the signs. Talking to a healthcare provider about your sleep health could be the first step toward feeling better and living a healthier life.
For more information, explore recent studies on sleep apnea and its impact on health. Better sleep—and better health—could be just one conversation away!
