Insomnia or Sleep Apnea? 🥱or😴?
Last weekend, I attended an Institute Of Women's Health conference and was blown away by a presentation on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).🤯
I was surprised at how often it occurs, how often it is missed, and how much of an impact it can have on the health and wellness of women.
Here are some important takeaways:
28% of women aged 50 to 70 years have diagnosable obstructive sleep apnea.
The highest incidences of OSA for women are during pregnancy and post menopause.
Women often present with symptoms that mimic some of the changes that occur in perimenopause & menopause.
It is more likely for women to have sleep apnea without the classic symptom of snoring.
Women are more sensitive to the adverse effects of nocturnal intermittent hypoxia (periods of time at night with low oxygen) and experience more complications than men.
Specific Symptoms:
Excessive daytime sleepiness*
Morning headache
Brain fog & memory problems
Morning dry mouth and/or sore throat
Sweating around the head & neck at night
Non-Specific Symptoms for Women:
Daytime fatigue*
Lack of energy
Insomnia
Mood disturbances
Reduced sensation of restful sleep
Interference in daily activities
Depression and anxiety
*Sleepiness vs. Fatigue
Sleepiness is only resolved by sleep. Fatigue is resolved by rest.
If you are feeling sleepy during the day and the only thing to do is to take a cat nap, that is classified as sleepiness.
If you are able to sit on the couch & rest to gain back some energy (even a smidge), that is considered fatigue.
(These symptoms can also be related to nutrient deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and blood sugar dysregulation, so lab tests are needed to rule out other causes.)
Possible Complications of Untreated OSA:
Hypertension
Diabetes
Coronary artery disease.
Stroke
Congestive heart failure
Atrial fibrillation
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Things that may make obstructive sleep apnea more likely:
Consistent feelings of sleepiness, fatigue, or insomnia
Waking with breath holding, gasping, or choking
A bed partner reporting habitual snoring, breathing interruptions, or both during sleep
What to Do if You Think You Might Have Sleep Apnea:
Talk to Your Practitioner: Discuss your concerns and see if they can order a sleep study for you. These can be done at a sleep lab or at home.
Explore Options: There are also companies that allow you to purchase a sleep study out-of-pocket with telehealth visits, if you prefer this route.
Find What Works Best for You: There is some evidence that interventions such as mouth taping, facial exercises, and eliminating inflammatory foods are effective in mild cases of OSA.
In my work with women at all stages of life it is clear that any sleep disturbances affect quality of life.
There are often hormone changes or life circumstances that make sleep elusive for periods of time, but you do not need to resign yourself to “never sleeping well again”.
One of the most important things you can do is talk to a health professional about your sleep challenges. You deserve a good night of sleep. Your health and well-being are worth it. 😴
Wishing you restful nights and healthy days ahead! 🛏️💤