Unique Sleep Apnea Symptoms In Women

Are you struggling with unexplained fatigue, insomnia, or mood swings? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a condition often overlooked in women. Unlike men, women may exhibit different and less obvious symptoms, making it crucial to understand and identify this disorder for better health and well-being.

Let’s talk about it!

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea (also sleep apnoea) is a serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome (a combination of OSA and CSA).

OSA, the most common type, occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep. CSA involves the brain failing to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is diagnosed when someone has both OSA and CSA.

Sleep Apnea In Women

While sleep apnea is often associated with men, it can manifest differently in women. Women might present symptoms that are less obvious or differ from the classic signs seen in men. This can lead to underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis and significant consequences, such as is the case during pregnancy.

Sleep apnea during pregnancy can pose significant health risks for both the mother and the baby. Pregnant women with sleep apnea may experience:

• Gestational Hypertension: High blood pressure during pregnancy, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia.
• Gestational Diabetes: Impaired glucose tolerance and increased blood sugar levels.
• Preterm Birth: Higher risk of delivering the baby before 37 weeks of gestation.
• Low Birth Weight: Babies born smaller than expected for their gestational age.
• Cesarean Delivery: Increased likelihood of requiring a C-section due to complications.
• Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue: Severe tiredness can affect daily functioning and overall quality of life. 

With this in mind, let’s look at how common sleep apnea is among women.

How Common Is Sleep Apnea Among Women?

Sleep apnea is less commonly diagnosed in women compared to men, but it is still a significant health issue. Approximately 10 - 15 % of women in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though the actual prevalence might be higher due to underdiagnosis.

The risk of sleep apnea increases with age, particularly after menopause. Postmenopausal women are 2-3 times more likely to develop sleep apnea than premenopausal women. Still, women are typically underdiagnosed with sleep apnea because of the following common reasons

1. Atypical Symptoms: Women often present with less obvious symptoms of sleep apnea compared to men. While men typically exhibit loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses, women may have symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Also, women are less likely to report loud snoring, a classic symptom of OSA, leading to fewer referrals for sleep studies.

2. Misinterpretation: Symptoms of sleep apnea in women, such as fatigue and mood disturbances, are often attributed to other conditions like depression, anxiety, or menopause, rather than sleep apnea. Some healthcare providers may be less likely to suspect sleep apnea in women, especially younger women, due to traditional stereotypes that it primarily affects overweight men.

3. Lack of Awareness: Women may be less aware of sleep apnea and its symptoms, leading to fewer reports to healthcare providers. Both women and healthcare providers may underestimate the risk of sleep apnea in women, particularly those who are not overweight.

4. Hormonal Factors: Premenopausal women have lower rates of sleep apnea, possibly due to the protective effect of estrogen on airway muscles. This leads to a perception that women are less at risk. Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of sleep apnea, but they may be less likely to be evaluated for the condition.

5. Diagnostic Challenges: Traditional diagnostic criteria and tools may not adequately capture the presentation of sleep apnea in women. Physicians may have a lower index of suspicion for sleep apnea in women, leading to fewer diagnostic referrals.

In the next section, let’s take a look at some commonly-reported symptoms of sleep apnea in women.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women

Sleep apnea symptoms in women can be subtle and often differ from those seen in men. These include:

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Persistent daytime sleepiness and exhaustion.
• Waking up with headaches due to oxygen deprivation.
• Depression, anxiety, and irritability.
• Frequent awakenings during the night.
• Episodes of waking up gasping for air or choking.
• Frequent urination during the night.
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Excessive sweating during sleep.
• Women with hypothyroidism are at higher risk for developing sleep apnea. 

So, what factors affect the likelihood of you developing sleep apnea? Let’s talk about this next.

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea In Women

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea in women. These include

1. Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can obstruct the airway and increase the risk of OSA.
2. Age: Sleep apnea risk increases with age, particularly after menopause.
3. Family History: A family history of sleep apnea can predispose women to the condition.
4. Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to increased risk.
5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS are more prone to sleep apnea.
6. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms due to weight gain and hormonal changes.
7. Smoking and Alcohol Use: These can increase the likelihood of airway obstruction.
8. Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion can make breathing difficult during sleep.
9. Hypothyroidism: Thyroid disorders can contribute to sleep apnea.
10. Large Neck Circumference: A neck circumference of more than 16 inches can be a risk factor for sleep apnea in women 

Understanding these risk factors can help in early identification and management of sleep apnea, reducing the potential health complications associated with the disorder.

In light of this, let’s discuss how you can know whether or not you typically stop breathing when sleeping.

How to Tell If You Stop Breathing In Your Sleep

Identifying whether you stop breathing in your sleep can be challenging without medical assistance. However, some signs and methods can help:

1. Partner Observations: If you share your bed, ask your partner to observe you during sleep. They might notice episodes of paused breathing, snoring, or gasping for air.
2. Sleep Study: A polysomnography test, conducted in a sleep clinic, can monitor your sleep patterns and breathing to diagnose sleep apnea.
3. Home Sleep Apnea Tests: These are portable devices that measure your breathing, oxygen levels, and other parameters while you sleep at home.
4. Symptoms: Frequent awakenings, morning headaches, dry mouth, and excessive daytime sleepiness can be indicators of sleep apnea.
5. Smart Devices: Some smartwatches and fitness trackers offer sleep monitoring features that can give insights into your sleep quality and potential breathing interruptions. 

In the next section, we share tips on how to sleep comfortably in spite of experiencing sleep apnea symptoms like shortness of breath when lying down.

How To Sleep Well Despite Sleep Apnea

Here are some easy-to-try tips that work for most women experiencing sleep apnea:

1. Use a CPAP Machine: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common and effective treatment for OSA. It keeps your airway open by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight loss can significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms, for both men and women. A balanced diet and regular exercise can be extremely helpful in promoting weight loss.
3. Sleep Position: Sleeping on your side rather than your back can help keep your airway open. Special pillows can assist in maintaining this position.
4. Elevate Your Head: Raising the head of your bed or using a wedge pillow can reduce the likelihood of airway obstruction.
5. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: These can relax the muscles around the airway and worsen sleep apnea.
6. Humidify Your Room: Using a humidifier can reduce nasal congestion and improve breathing.
7. Consider Relaxing Sleep Aids: A weighted blanket like our Cotton Napper can promote relaxation and improve your sleep quality. Our Napper’s chunky-knit design and even weight distribution ensure that you get the benefits of deep touch pressure with breathability.
8. Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help manage and monitor your condition, adjusting treatments as necessary. 

These strategies, combined with medical advice and treatment, can help women with sleep apnea achieve better sleep and improve their overall quality of life.

Next, we discuss tell-tale signs indicating that you need to speak to your doctor about your sleep apnea symptoms.

When To See A Doctor

Recognizing when to seek medical advice for sleep apnea is crucial, especially for women who experience atypical symptoms. You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness that interferes with daily activities despite getting enough sleep at night.
• Chronic loud snoring, especially if it is accompanied by choking or gasping sounds.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep regularly.
• Frequent headaches upon waking.
• Unexplained irritability, depression, or anxiety.
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
• Frequent awakenings during the night or a feeling of restless sleep.
• Hypertension that is difficult to control.
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Frequent urination during the night (Nocturia). 

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate testing and treatment, some of which we discuss in the next section.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves several steps, including:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination, focusing on your throat, neck, and mouth for any abnormalities.
• Sleep Diary: You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a couple of weeks to record your sleep patterns and symptoms.
• Polysomnography (Sleep Study): This is the most comprehensive test for diagnosing sleep apnea. It monitors your heart rate, breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, brain waves, and limb movements while you sleep, usually conducted in a sleep lab.
• Home Sleep Apnea Tests: For milder cases or initial screenings, a home sleep test may be used. These portable devices measure your breathing and oxygen levels while you sleep at home.
• Questionnaires: Tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale can help assess the severity of daytime sleepiness. 

Treatment for sleep apnea usually aims to normalize breathing during sleep and address underlying health issues behind your symptoms. Options include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and changing sleep positions (e.g., sleeping on your side).
• CPAP Therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment for OSA. It involves wearing a mask that delivers a steady stream of air to keep your airway open.
• Oral Appliances: Custom-made devices worn during sleep to keep the throat open by repositioning the jaw or tongue.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), Genioglossus Advancement (GA), or Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) may be considered to remove or reposition tissues blocking the airway.
• Positional Therapy: Special devices that encourage sleeping on your side.
• Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to address underlying conditions contributing to sleep apnea, such as hypothyroidism or nasal congestion. 

Effective management and treatment of sleep apnea can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of associated health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing sleep apnea in women is crucial due to the unique ways it manifests and the significant health risks involved. While it may be less commonly diagnosed in women, recognizing atypical symptoms and risk factors can lead to early detection and effective treatment.