Sleep apnea in women
Sleep apnea in women
How obstructive sleep apnea may present differently in women, especially during pregnancy and menopause.
Overview
Women with obstructive sleep apnea may report insomnia, fatigue, mood symptoms, morning headache or restless sleep rather than stereotypical loud snoring. Risk increases after menopause and with obesity, but OSA can occur at any body size.
Key points
Symptoms
Fatigue, insomnia, nocturia, headache and mood change may accompany snoring or witnessed pauses.
Menopause
Hormonal and body-composition changes increase risk after menopause.
Pregnancy
New snoring, hypertension or severe sleepiness during pregnancy warrants obstetric and sleep evaluation.
Underdiagnosis
Symptoms are often attributed to stress, depression or aging without sleep testing.
How W8MD can help
W8MD can screen women with atypical symptoms, arrange testing when appropriate and integrate PAP care with weight and menopause-related risk assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can women have OSA without loud snoring?
Yes.
Does hormone therapy treat OSA?
It is not a standard OSA treatment.
Can a home test miss OSA?
It can in selected circumstances; an in-lab study may be needed after a negative or inconclusive home test.
Evidence and authoritative sources
Contact W8MD
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa provides physician-supervised care in Brooklyn, New York and Northeast Philadelphia. Telehealth may be available for eligible patients based on location and applicable requirements.
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