Is It Insomnia or Sleep Apnea? What Women Need to Know
When sleep doesn’t come easily, it’s tempting to chalk it up to hormones, stress, or just the reality of getting older. But there may be something else going on—something that’s often overlooked in women: obstructive sleep apnea.
At a recent women’s health conference, I sat in on a session about sleep apnea that completely shifted how I think about sleep challenges in midlife. I was struck by how common it is in women, how frequently it’s missed, and how much it can impact our health and daily life.
Here’s what I want you to know.
Sleep Apnea: Not Just a Snoring Issue
Here are some statistics and facts that might surprise you:
28% of women between the ages of 50 and 70 have diagnosable OSA
The highest rates in women occur during pregnancy and after menopause
Many women with sleep apnea do not snore at all
Symptoms often overlap with perimenopause and menopause
Women tend to be more sensitive to the effects of low nighttime oxygen levels
This matters because many women, and even their providers, don’t think to consider sleep apnea if snoring isn’t part of the picture. But there are plenty of other signs worth paying attention to.
Specific Symptoms to Watch For
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 More Common in Women
Daytime fatigue
Lack of energy
Insomnia
Mood disturbances
Reduced sensation of restful sleep
Interference in daily activities
Depression and anxiety
Sleepiness vs. Fatigue: What’s the Difference?
SThis distinction matters:
Sleepiness means you could fall asleep easily during the day. The only thing that helps is actual sleep.
Fatigue means you feel worn out, but can recover with rest. Even a short break might help.
Many women experience both, which can make it even harder to identify what’s really going on.
(Keep in mind that these symptoms could also be related to nutrient deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or blood sugar imbalances. Lab testing helps rule out other causes.)
Why Untreated Sleep Apnea Matters
Sleep apnea doesn’t just make you tired. It can lead to serious health complications:
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Coronary artery disease
Stroke
Heart failure
Atrial fibrillation
Ongoing daytime sleepiness
When to Get Evaluated
You might want to look into a sleep study if you experience:
Ongoing fatigue, insomnia, or sleepiness
Waking up gasping, choking, or holding your breath
A bed partner noticing pauses in your breathing or snoring
What to Do Next
Talk to Your Provider: Ask if a sleep study could be appropriate. These can often be done at home or at a sleep lab.
Explore Other Options: Some companies offer sleep studies directly to consumers with telehealth support.
Mild Cases May Improve with Lifestyle: Strategies like mouth taping, facial exercises, and reducing inflammatory foods may help with mild OSA.
In my work with women at all stages of life, I’ve seen just how much sleep affects everything: your energy, focus, mood, and overall sense of well-being. Hormone shifts and life demands can absolutely make restful sleep more difficult. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept it as your new normal.
If sleep has been a struggle, it might be time for a closer look. You deserve nights that feel restorative and days that feel clear and energized.
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