Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, has often been associated primarily with overweight men over 40. However, sleep apnea in women is a significant issue that needs to be acknowledged and addressed. It can pose severe health risks and affect the quality of life. Women may experience symptoms of this condition differently, and the risks and solutions vary. This blog post focuses on sleep apnea in women and provides practical solutions for coping with it.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea in women is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night due to blocked airways. It can occur several times per hour during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Women
The symptoms of sleep apnea in women can be subtle and are often misdiagnosed. Here are a few common symptoms to look out for:
- Frequent awakenings during the night
- Snoring, although less prominent than in men
- Waking up with a dry or sour taste in the mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and lethargy
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Feeling unrefreshed, despite a full night’s sleep
- Depression or mood swings
- Headaches in the morning
Risks of Sleep Apnea in Women
Untreated sleep apnea in women can lead to several health complications, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart conditions
- Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma and other breathing disorders
- Childbirth complications
- Decreased life expectancy
Solutions for Sleep Apnea in Women
The solutions for sleep apnea in women not only include lifestyle modifications, but there are also several non-surgical and drug-free approaches available at the Bend Headache Center:
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: A dentist-prescribed device is worn during sleep to keep the airway open.
- Positional Therapy: Changing sleeping positions can help in mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
- Lifestyle Changes: Limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and avoiding sedatives can also help manage sleep apnea symptoms.
Seeking Help
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them. Understand it’s not just a ‘man’s disease,’ and women too can be at risk. There’s a dedicated team at the Bend Headache Center ready to help.
