Sleep Apnea in Women: How Symptoms Differ and Why It's Often Overlooked

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and various health issues. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, blocking the airway. This results in disrupted sleep patterns, loud snoring, and episodes of gasping or choking during sleep.

One of the main reasons sleep apnea is often overlooked in women is that the symptoms can differ significantly from those seen in men. While loud snoring and observable apneas (breathing pauses) are common in men, women are more likely to experience subtle or atypical symptoms. These include:

1. Fatigue and Insomnia: Unlike men, who often report excessive daytime sleepiness, women with sleep apnea may be more likely to experience chronic fatigue or difficulty staying asleep. This can be mistakenly attributed to stress, depression, or other sleep disorders.
2. Headaches: Morning headaches are a common symptom in women with sleep apnea. These headaches are caused by the lack of oxygen during sleep and the subsequent increase in blood pressure.
3. Mood Disturbances: Women with sleep apnea often report mood swings, irritability, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. These symptoms can be misdiagnosed as solely psychological issues, leading to a delay in recognizing the underlying sleep disorder.
4. Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): Women with sleep apnea may wake up frequently during the night to urinate. This symptom is less commonly reported by men and can easily be attributed to other health issues.
5. Lowered Pain Threshold: Research suggests that women with sleep apnea may have a lower pain threshold, leading to increased sensitivity to pain and chronic pain conditions.

The underdiagnosis of sleep apnea in women can be attributed to several factors:

1. Atypical Symptoms: As mentioned, women often present with symptoms that are not typically associated with sleep apnea, making it harder for healthcare providers to recognize the condition.
2. Misconceptions Among Healthcare Providers: There is still a prevailing stereotype that sleep apnea is a "man's disease." This bias can lead to healthcare providers overlooking the possibility of sleep apnea in female patients, especially if they do not exhibit the classic symptoms like loud snoring or observed apneas.
3. Hormonal Differences: Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life, including during pregnancy and menopause, can influence sleep patterns and exacerbate sleep apnea. However, these changes are often attributed to the hormonal shifts themselves rather than a sleep disorder.
4. Lack of Awareness: Many women are not aware that their symptoms could be related to sleep apnea. This lack of awareness can delay seeking a diagnosis and treatment.

Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness. For women, it’s essential to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and seek a proper diagnosis.

At Daybreak, we understand the unique challenges women face in getting an accurate diagnosis for sleep apnea. That’s why we offer a complete and convenient at-home diagnosis and treatment option. Our approach allows you to monitor your sleep in the comfort of your home, providing a more accurate representation of your sleep patterns and making it easier to identify issues like sleep apnea.