You are balancing work, family, friends, and everything else in between – but lately something feels off. You wake up most mornings with a headache and you never feel truly rested. Your energy fizzles out before the day is done, and you are left searching for answers. You may also notice worsening mood, more anxiety, or difficulty coping with stress. Another cup of coffee, a new bedtime routine, and yet nothing helps.
What if the culprit is something often overlooked in women? This culprit may be Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
About 15% of women experience sleep apnea1 yet 40% of women don’t experience the classic OSA symptoms 3 so they can remain undiagnosed.
The Unique Symptoms Women Experience
OSA has been thought to be a health issue predominantly in men. A common symptom people imagine when they think of someone that would have sleep apnea is loud snoring. But women’s symptoms can look very different, leading to underdiagnosis and/or a longer time to being diagnosed and treated. This
The symptoms that women experience are often subtler and can be misattributed to other conditions. Symptoms women may experience include:
- Insomnia
- Abnormal early morning awakenings
- Brain fog
- Waking up tired even after a full night of sleep
- Morning headaches
- Mood changes, depression, and anxiety1
Since there have been fewer OSA studies on women compared to men, OSA symptoms women experience are often attributed to hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause. The experience of chronic stress or other health issues can delay the diagnosis as well.2 Up to 67% of postmenopausal women can develop sleep apnea and one factor can be the fluctuation of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone which are thought to be protective against OSA.2
However, it is not only postmenopausal women who are at risk for being underdiagnosed with sleep apnea. OSA risk increases with age, weight, and hormonal changes.
- Obesity: individuals with obesity and overweight have a high risk of developing OSA especially with a higher BMI (>30) or with a neck circumference larger than 16 inches face a higher risk of OSA.1
- Pregnancy: a woman’s risk of developing OSA during pregnancy can increase by 27%1 felt to be due to hormonal and physical changes.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): women with PCOS may be at a higher risk of developing OSA due to their higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of estrogen.1
The Hidden Dangers of Untreated OSA
Untreated OSA is not just about feeling tired and sluggish throughout the day, it is also linked to a range of other health issues. Left untreated, OSA can contribute to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cognitive impairment, and pregnancy complications.1
Break the Cycle
OSA is not a disease only affecting men. It affects women, often silently – but can still have serious consequences. If you are struggling with unexplained fatigue, insomnia, or mood changes, don’t just brush it off as stress or getting older.
The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable and by seeking the proper treatment, you can even reverse some of the OSA symptoms you have been experiencing. Imagine, waking up in the morning feeling rested and ready to tackle any challenges throughout the day with more ease. Now that you have realized that there might be something more to your headaches, irritability, and brain fog. What should you do next?
Start Your Path to Restful Nights
The best thing for you to do is to find a sleep specialist so you are able to discuss your symptoms with someone who understands. Be an advocate and explain everything you are experiencing. The more details you are able to give your doctors, the better they will be able to help you.
At Ognomy Sleep, we’re revolutionizing how sleep apnea is managed by offering streamlined, at-home care powered by technology—helping you connect with specialists quickly and experience meaningful results in a matter of weeks. If you think you are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea, find out if Ognomy Sleep is the right fit for you. Schedule a telehealth appointment today. We offer a wide range of treatment options to ensure you get the personalized treatment to get you back to optimal health.
