Sleep Apnea and Women

By Alice Charland Bassford, DMD, MAGD

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes obstructed or collapses while asleep, resulting in an apnea, or a pause in breathing. This condition occurs exclusively while you sleep, so you may not notice any symptoms at first. If you share your bed with someone, they are more likely to notice your symptoms before you do.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:

snoring loudly and excessively
waking up suddenly with shortness of breath
gasping for breath during sleep
insomnia
feeling irritable or very tired during waking hours
waking up with a dry mouth or headaches

Women and Sleep Apnea

Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea than women. However, men are often diagnosed with sleep apnea almost eight times more often than women.

If women are half as likely to have sleep apnea as men, but are diagnosed and treated for it only an eighth of the time, something must be wrong. Where does the problem lie? In patient reporting, doctor evaluation, varying symptoms, or a combination of all of the above?

Most women talk with their primary care providers about their sleep problems, and these doctors tend to have preconceived notions about what a typical sleep apnea patient looks like, and may overlook the reported symptoms by women when they don’t fit the common portrait.

Women’s symptoms are often slightly different than men’s, which also complicates things. Their snoring is usually much lighter, and breathing problems during sleep more subtle than their male counterparts.

Women who report these symptoms are usually misdiagnosed as suffering from fatigue, insomnia, headaches, mood disturbances, restless leg syndrome, or even depression.

Furthermore, men are less likely to be observant to their bed-partner’s sleep disturbances than women are. Many men who seek treatment for sleep apnea only do so because of concern by their bed-partner.

Sleep Apnea and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea in pregnant women can lead to complications during pregnancy including high blood pressure, enlarged heart, pulmonary blood clots, more frequent preeclampsia, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and cesarean delivery.

How Can I Manage My Sleep Apnea?

Depending on the type of sleep apnea you have and its severity, managing your condition may be as simple as some lifestyle changes. In some cases, getting down to a healthy weight may reverse the symptoms. Changing the position (ie: wedge pillow) in which you sleep may also help relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Some people find that the CPAP machine, that is typically used to treat sleep apnea, as bulky and difficult to wear. If this is the case, another treatment option for sleep apnea is Oral Appliance Therapy. These oral appliances are used at night while you sleep, and they work by repositioning the jaw and the tongue so that air continues to flow. By preventing the airway from collapsing this allows you to get a good night’s rest.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and do not want to use CPAP, you should contact a qualified sleep dentist (see AADSM listing) for an appointment as soon as possible. If left untreated, sleep apnea could become severe and pose serious health risks…seven years off your life according to the latest studies.