Overcoming the stereotypes associated with sleep apnea as a woman

Sleep apnea doesn't just affect men - it also affects women. This news may come as a surprise to you as sleep apnea is not nearly as common in women compared to men.

Coming to terms with having sleep apnea as a woman can be challenging, but once you have accepted the condition, you can start taking the appropriate steps to start treating it.

Technology has come a long way when it comes to treatment options for sleep apnea. CPAP machines have become increasingly smaller, better looking, and much more comfortable to wear.

Let's take a look at Brooke who is sharing her story about overcoming the stereotypes associated with sleep apnea as a young independent woman.

Brook: Sleep apnea is not for me. It's for, you know, men, older men, who, you know, are potentially a little bit obese or at least that's the stigma that I had around sleep apnea.

Brook's daughter: I kind of was thinking like, oh, that's for old people, you know. Like I had this image in my mind like this very old man with a breathing machine on at night. So when my Mum got it, I was like, wait, what? She's a little young for that. But now I know it's not really about old men anymore. It's for everyone which is cool.

Brook: I was completely shocked, and you could have knocked me over, but in a way relieved that there was a resolve, there was a cure or a treatment that didn't require medicine. And you know this thing that I believe there is a lot of stigma around sleep apnea and then wearing this mask. It sounds so awful.

Brook's daughter: When she first brought the device home, I was like, whoa, that seems really futuristic. I was not used to it at all. Then she put it on and I was like, oh my gosh, Mum, what is that? Like what are you doing? But now I have a total different attitude towards it because I've seen how much it helps her.

Brook: It's not awful. It's awesome. It's amazing to wear this mask at night. I honestly can't wait to go to bed, put on this mask, because right away I feel so much better. It's incredibly empowering to know that you've got power over your own health and future.

We hope you enjoyed hearing Brook and her daughter's perspective on sleep apnea and CPAP therapy as a young woman. If you notice that you are not sleeping well or suffer from any of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea, then now may be a good time to check out whether or not you suffer from an underlying sleep disorder.

Start your journey towards getting a better night's sleep and awaken your best self!