Sleep apnea is a serious yet underdiagnosed condition that affects millions of Americans. While commonly associated with men, sleep apnea in women is far more prevalent than many realize—and often overlooked in clinical settings. At Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center in Reno, NV, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in all populations, including women who may not fit the “typical” profile.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open. These interruptions can significantly affect sleep quality, oxygen levels, and long-term health.
Why Sleep Apnea is Underdiagnosed in Women
Historically, sleep apnea has been viewed as a men’s health issue. Many clinical studies, diagnostic guidelines, and awareness campaigns have focused on male-centric symptoms like loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. As a result, the more subtle and varied symptoms experienced by women often go unrecognized or are attributed to other conditions like insomnia, anxiety, or depression.
In fact, studies show that women are less likely to be referred for sleep studies, and even when they are, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed.
Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women
While men typically report loud snoring and gasping during sleep, women with sleep apnea often experience:
- Insomnia or trouble falling asleep
- Morning headaches
- Fatigue and low energy during the day
- Depression or anxiety
- Restless sleep
- Frequent awakenings at night
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
These symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to hormonal changes, stress, or mental health issues—especially in perimenopausal or menopausal women.
The Hormonal Connection
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a protective role in airway stability. As women age and hormone levels fluctuate or decline, the risk of developing sleep apnea increases—particularly during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause.
Additionally, weight gain during these life stages can increase the risk of airway obstruction, further compounding the risk of undiagnosed sleep apnea.
Misdiagnosis and the Cost of Delay
When sleep apnea is not diagnosed or properly treated, it can lead to serious health consequences such as:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Chronic fatigue
- Decreased quality of life
Women may spend years seeking answers to their symptoms, undergoing unnecessary treatments, or being prescribed medications that don’t address the root cause.
What You Can Do
If you’re a woman experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above—or if you simply feel tired all the time despite getting “enough” sleep—it’s time to take your health seriously.
At Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center, we understand how sleep apnea presents differently in women. Our team takes a comprehensive, personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. We offer advanced airway assessments, home sleep testing, and non-invasive therapies like oral appliance therapy, which can be especially beneficial for those who prefer a CPAP alternative.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Don’t let your symptoms be dismissed or misdiagnosed. If you suspect sleep apnea might be the cause of your sleep struggles, the best thing you can do is speak with a sleep specialist who understands the unique ways this condition affects women.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on a path to better, healthier sleep.