Sleep Apnea Sleep Apnea and Women
Women may be at increased risk for sleep apnea during pregnancy, or during and after menopause, in part because of hormone changes. Hormone problems in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also raise the risk for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea symptoms in women
Sleep apnea symptoms may be different in women compared with men. Women more often have the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Daytime sleepiness
- Depression
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Insomnia
- Tiredness
- Waking up often during sleep
Because you may not have sleep apnea symptoms, such as snoring, you may not think that you have this condition. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms or if you have any risk factors for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea and pregnancy
During pregnancy, a person can experience changes in their upper airway or in the way their brain controls breathing. These changes can raise a person's risk for sleep apnea or make their sleep apnea worse. Sleep apnea is often more serious in the third trimester of pregnancy and may improve after the baby is born. Pregnant people who are older or who have obesity have a higher risk for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause many complications in pregnant people, including:
If you need a C-section or other surgery, tell your provider that you have sleep apnea. They can take extra steps to make sure that your airway stays open during the surgery.
Breathing devices, such as a CPAP machine, are safe for treating sleep apnea during pregnancy. Because pregnancy causes changes in your body, you may need to see a sleep specialist to adjust the settings of your CPAP machine during and after your pregnancy.
Sleep apnea and menopause
In early life, women may have a lower risk for obstructive sleep apnea than men. But during and after menopause, women's risk for sleep apnea increases. Changes in your hormones during menopause raise the risk for sleep apnea. During menopause, women may also gain weight, including around the neck.
Menopause also affects sleep and can cause insomnia, headaches, and fatigue. This may make it harder for you or your provider to recognize your sleep apnea.
Learn about risks to your heart health, how to protect it before and during pregnancy, and questions to ask your healthcare provider.