Is Sleep Apnea Only for Men? The Overlooked Risk for Women

When you think of sleep apnea, who comes to mind? Most people picture an older, overweight man snoring loudly. While it’s true that sleep apnea is more commonly diagnosed in men, women are often overlooked and underdiagnosed, despite facing serious health risks from the condition.

Many women struggling with chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or headaches may actually have undiagnosed sleep apnea—but because their symptoms don’t fit the "typical" profile, they often go untreated. Let’s break the myth that sleep apnea is only a man’s problem and explore why women need to be aware of this condition.

Why Is Sleep Apnea Underdiagnosed in Women?

Historically, sleep apnea research and diagnostic criteria have been based on male symptoms, leaving women’s experiences overlooked. Women often experience different symptoms than men, which makes it harder to recognize the condition.

Here’s what contributes to underdiagnosis:

🚫 Atypical Symptoms: Women may not have the loud snoring and gasping typically associated with sleep apnea. Instead, they may suffer from fatigue, insomnia, headaches, depression, and brain fog, which can be mistaken for stress, menopause, or other conditions.

🚫 Hormonal Differences: Estrogen and progesterone help support airway muscle tone, meaning younger women may have some protection against sleep apnea. However, after menopause, hormone levels drop, increasing the risk significantly.

🚫 Misdiagnosis: Many women with sleep apnea are first diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome, leading to delayed or missed treatment.

How Sleep Apnea Presents Differently in Women

While men with sleep apnea often experience snoring, gasping, and excessive daytime sleepiness, women may have a different set of symptoms, including:

🔹 Frequent awakenings or insomnia

🔹 Morning headaches

🔹 Daytime fatigue without feeling excessively sleepy

🔹 Brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating

🔹 Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

🔹 Frequent trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia)

Because these symptoms don’t always match the “classic” signs of sleep apnea, women may not realize their sleep is being disrupted by breathing pauses throughout the night.

The Health Risks of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea in Women

Untreated sleep apnea isn’t just about feeling tired—it can have serious long-term health consequences, including:

⚠️ Increased risk of heart disease – Sleep apnea strains the cardiovascular system, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

⚠️ Higher likelihood of Type 2 diabetes – Poor sleep affects insulin sensitivity, making it harder to regulate blood sugar.

⚠️ Cognitive decline and dementia risk – Women with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to develop memory issues and cognitive impairment later in life.

⚠️ Complications during pregnancy – Sleep apnea during pregnancy increases the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight.

⚠️ Worsened menopause symptoms – Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk for sleep apnea, which can further disrupt sleep, cause fatigue, and lead to mood changes.

What Women Can Do About Sleep Apnea

If you suspect sleep apnea, don’t ignore the signs. Here’s what you can do:

✅ Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and any unusual nighttime symptoms.

✅ Talk to a Sleep Specialist or Dentist: If you experience chronic fatigue, poor sleep, or difficulty breathing at night, ask about a sleep study to check for sleep apnea.

✅ Consider an Oral Appliance: Many women avoid sleep studies because they don’t want to use a CPAP machine. But oral appliance therapy is a comfortable, effective alternative that repositions the jaw to keep the airway open.

The Bottom Line

Sleep apnea is NOT just a men’s issue. Women experience it differently, but the consequences are just as serious. If you’re constantly fatigued, struggling with brain fog, or waking up feeling unrested, don’t dismiss it as stress or aging—it could be sleep apnea.

If you’re ready to take control of your sleep and health, contact us today to explore your options for comfortable, effective treatment. A good night’s sleep is possible!