The classic image of a sleep apnea patient is that of a heavyset middle-aged man with a thick neck, and a snore you can hear from three blocks away. That is, in fact, a fairly accurate picture of the typical sleep apnea patient. But at Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, we do not go by stereotypes.
It is true that men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea as women. But it appears that sleep apnea in women often goes unidentified.
“On the whole, I believe that women with sleep apnea are less likely to be diagnosed compared to men,” said Dr. Grace W. Pien, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. The ratio of men to women diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, she says, is about eight to one. “However, we know from studies in the general population that the actual ratio is likely to be closer to 2 or 3 men with OSA for each woman.”
There appear to be multiple reasons for this. Women are more likely to discuss sleep issues with their primary care provider rather than a specialist, and end up diagnosed and treated for the wrong disorders. Women may tell their doctor they are fatigued, for example, leading to an incorrect diagnosis of insomnia.
Other issues include:
- Women are less likely to have the loud, chronic snoring associated with apnea
- Apnea events, like breathing stoppages, are usually shorter and less frequent than in men
- Men are generally less observant of their bed partner’s sleep patterns
The risk of women getting Obstructive Sleep Apnea increases as they age. OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea, across the board. It occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep. The person’s breathing stops repeatedly during the night, then starts again. The stoppages can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute. Each one deprives the brain of oxygen.
At Poss Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, we offer diagnosis and treatment to those who have, or think they may have, sleep apnea. If you or a loved one is coping with a sleep disorder, contact us today.
