Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea, affecting men and women of various ages. While it can occur in children, it is more prevalent among adults. If you live in Detroit or nearby areas and suspect you might have sleep apnea, Dr. Richard Klein and the Michigan Head & Neck Institute team are here to help.

Dr. Klein and his staff are experts in treating sleep apnea. With a growing number of adults receiving sleep apnea diagnoses, the need for effective treatment options has become more critical than ever. If you believe you might have sleep apnea but haven’t had a sleep study, the first step is to schedule one at home or in a sleep lab.

At our Detroit office, we will review your results, and if a medical professional diagnoses sleep apnea, we will begin treatment tailored to your condition. Whether mild, moderate, or severe, treatments like Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) have proven effective for both male and female patients. While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) used to be the go-to solution, we now offer alternatives for patients who may prefer different options.

In this article, we will focus on how sleep apnea specifically affects women and why their symptoms can differ from those experienced by men.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Before discussing gender-specific differences in sleep apnea, let’s review the basics of OSA and its symptoms.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the airway relaxes and collapses, blocking airflow during sleep. This blockage causes the individual to choke or gasp for air, leading to brief pauses in breathing that can last several seconds. These breathing disruptions may happen hundreds of times throughout the night, severely affecting sleep quality.

OSA is a serious condition that can impact multiple body systems, including:

  • Respiratory system
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Nervous system

Common symptoms include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Reduced ability to concentrate
  • Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
  • Decreased work performance
  • Strained relationships due to sleep disturbances

Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women

Women often experience slightly different symptoms than men when it comes to sleep apnea. Some of the common symptoms reported by women include:

  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Depression and anxiety
  • A compromised immune system
  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Dry throat or mouth upon waking
  • Never feeling fully rested, even after a full night’s sleep

Gender Differences in Sleep Apnea

Studies show that around 26% of adults aged 30 to 70 have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. While men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea, women are underdiagnosed, with an estimated 90% of female OSA sufferers unaware of their condition.

A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that 13% of men and 6% of women suffer from moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing. The disparity in diagnosis between men and women may stem from the misconception that OSA is primarily a “man’s condition.” Women’s symptoms are often subtler and less likely to include the loud snoring and choking episodes commonly associated with male OSA patients.

The Consequences of Undiagnosed OSA in Women

The Society for Women’s Health Research estimates that 1 in 5 women have sleep apnea, but most are unaware of it. Women who go undiagnosed miss out on critical treatment, which can lead to serious health consequences, such as:

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Cognitive decline

Dr. Richard Klein and his team in Detroit are experts in detecting and treating sleep apnea in both men and women. With years of experience, they have developed a keen ability to spot women’s unique symptoms and provide effective treatment to improve sleep and overall health.

Sleep Apnea in Women: Key Research Findings

Recent research from the Yale School of Medicine identified two primary differences in how sleep apnea affects men and women:

1. OSA During REM Sleep

Women are more likely to experience OSA during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep than men. REM sleep is a critical stage during which the brain is highly active, and dreaming occurs. OSA during REM sleep tends to be more severe, with longer pauses in breathing and significant drops in oxygen levels.

2. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)

Women may also be more prone to a milder form of sleep apnea called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). While UARS patients still experience airway collapses and snoring, they may not have complete pauses in breathing (apneas) or drastic oxygen drops characteristic of OSA. However, these airway blockages still lead to frequent awakenings at night, disrupting sleep quality.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea in Women

Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. These include hormonal changes, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

1. Menopause

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause, especially the decrease in estrogen, more than double the risk of developing OSA. Lower estrogen levels are associated with reduced muscle tone in the airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep.

2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition characterized by high levels of certain hormones, like testosterone, and is associated with insulin resistance and weight gain. Women with PCOS are at an elevated risk for sleep apnea due to hormonal imbalances and obesity, which are both risk factors for OSA.

3. Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the risk of sleep apnea due to weight gain and hormonal changes. The risk tends to be highest during the third trimester but may resolve after childbirth. However, untreated sleep apnea during pregnancy can lead to complications, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia.

4. Menstrual Cycle

OSA symptoms may fluctuate throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle due to hormonal shifts. Symptoms often worsen during menstruation, with improvements seen after ovulation. This pattern can make it challenging to diagnose OSA based on a single sleep study, as symptoms can vary depending on the timing of the study in relation to the menstrual cycle.

Sleep Apnea Treatment for Women

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it’s essential to seek diagnosis and treatment. At the Michigan Head & Neck Institute, we offer a range of treatment options, including:

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

OAT involves using a custom-fitted device worn in the mouth during sleep to keep the airway open. This is an excellent alternative for patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for severe cases of sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a constant airflow to keep the airway open during sleep.

Lifestyle Modifications

For some women, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and adjusting sleeping positions may reduce the severity of sleep apnea.

Get Help Today

If you live in the Detroit area and suspect you have sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek treatment. Sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, but effective treatments are available. Call the Michigan Head & Neck Institute at (586) 573-0438 or complete our online contact form. Our team will help you schedule a consultation and answer any questions. Better sleep is within your reach!