Illustration depicting a woman sleeping peacefully with symbols representing sleep and health

Sleep Apnea in Women: Why It's Often Overlooked and What to Do About It

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"From Pregnancy to Menopause: Unveiling the Silent Struggles of Sleep Apnea in Women and How to Seek Help"

Sleep apnea, a condition marked by pauses in breathing during sleep, is frequently associated with men. However, women experience it too, and their experiences can be significantly different and often underdiagnosed. This article aims to shed light on the prevalence, unique symptoms, and life-stage considerations of sleep apnea in women, providing a comprehensive guide for understanding and managing this often-silent condition.

The challenges women face with sleep apnea are multi-faceted. Hormonal changes, variations in body shape, and the impact of pregnancy and menopause all play significant roles. Moreover, symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. Understanding these nuances is crucial for improving women's health outcomes.

This article will explore the different ways sleep apnea manifests in women, why it's often missed, and the steps women can take to seek help, get diagnosed, and find effective treatment. We'll cover everything from the impact of sleep apnea on pregnancy to how to navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment options.

Unique Challenges: Why Sleep Apnea is Different for Women

Illustration depicting a woman sleeping peacefully with symbols representing sleep and health

For women, the presentation of sleep apnea can vary greatly from the classic symptoms often seen in men. While daytime sleepiness and snoring are common, women may experience a broader range of symptoms that are easily attributed to other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed intervention. This section explores the unique challenges.

Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, can significantly impact sleep patterns and the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Pregnancy, for example, can increase the risk due to weight gain and fluid retention. Menopause brings hormonal changes that can also influence sleep.

Pregnancy: Increased weight, fluid retention, and hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Menopause: Fluctuating hormones during menopause can disrupt sleep and contribute to sleep apnea.
Body Shape: Women often carry weight differently than men, which can affect how sleep apnea manifests.
Symptoms: Women may experience a wider range of symptoms, including insomnia, fatigue, and mood changes.

These variations make it vital to approach diagnosis with an understanding of these differences. It's not just about snoring; it's about a constellation of symptoms that impact a woman's overall health and well-being. Recognizing these differences is the first step towards accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Taking Action: Steps for Women to Improve Sleep and Health

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform a sleep study if needed, and recommend appropriate treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life, reduce your risk of other health problems, and help you reclaim restful, restorative sleep.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

Why is sleep apnea frequently missed or underdiagnosed in women?

Sleep apnea is often missed in women because their symptoms can differ from those typically seen in men. While daytime sleepiness and snoring are common in both sexes, women may experience a broader range of symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, and mood changes. These symptoms are easily attributed to other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed intervention. Hormonal fluctuations, variations in body shape, and life stages such as pregnancy and menopause also contribute to the underdiagnosis of sleep apnea in women.

How do hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the likelihood of developing sleep apnea?

During pregnancy, increased weight, fluid retention, and hormonal changes can significantly increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. These physiological changes can affect the upper airway and breathing patterns during sleep. It's crucial for pregnant women experiencing sleep disturbances to discuss these concerns with their healthcare provider to assess their risk and explore potential management strategies.

In what ways does menopause contribute to sleep apnea in women?

Menopause brings about fluctuating hormone levels, particularly a decline in estrogen and progesterone, which can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to the development of sleep apnea. These hormonal shifts can affect the muscles in the upper airway, potentially leading to its collapse during sleep. Additionally, other menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes can further disrupt sleep, exacerbating the effects of sleep apnea.

What steps should women take if they suspect they might have sleep apnea?

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, the first step is to talk to your doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if further investigation is needed. If sleep apnea is suspected, your doctor may recommend a sleep study to monitor your breathing patterns and other physiological parameters during sleep. Based on the results of the sleep study, your doctor can then recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, breathing devices like CPAP, or other interventions.

Beyond snoring and daytime sleepiness, what are some other symptoms of sleep apnea that women should be aware of?

Women may experience a wider range of symptoms beyond the typical snoring and daytime sleepiness associated with sleep apnea. These symptoms can include insomnia, fatigue, mood changes, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Some women may also experience night sweats, dry mouth, or frequent nighttime urination. It is important to recognize that the constellation of these symptoms, even in the absence of loud snoring, could indicate sleep apnea, and should prompt a discussion with a healthcare provider.