Sleep Apnea in Women: What You Need to Know

Quick Takeaways:

• Sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed in women because symptoms can look different — many women experience fatigue, insomnia, or mood changes rather than frequent snoring.¹
• Hormone changes during pregnancy, menopause, or due to conditions like PCOS could increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ^2–4
• Untreated sleep apnea can affect heart health, blood sugar, and mood, so early testing and treatment are important.^5–7
• CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, and other treatments can help women manage symptoms, improve sleep quality, and support overall health.^8,9

It’s a common myth that sleep apnea only affects men. In reality, it can affect almost anyone. In fact, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risks are rising for women.

Nearly 1 billion people globally are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).¹⁰

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, making it harder for air to flow. These blockages can reduce or completely stop the flow of air, causing your breathing to pause throughout the night.¹¹

By 2050, the number of women living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is expected to increase by 65% — more than three times the increase seen among men. Researchers attribute the rise in sleep apnea among women to factors like current underdiagnosis and ageing.¹²

One of the challenges in diagnosing and managing OSA as a woman is that it can look different from sleep apnea in men.¹³ Getting the right diagnosis is important because untreated OSA may affect your overall health and quality of life.¹⁴

This guide provides some information about obstructive sleep apnea in women. However, it's for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, speak with a doctor about getting tested.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when airflow to your lungs is blocked during sleep. It usually happens due to a full or partial collapse of your airway.¹¹ Tissues in your throat collapse as you sleep, causing blockages. The air can't move as easily, so breathing becomes shallow or more laboured. In some cases, breathing stops completely for seconds at a time.⁴