Beyond Snoring: How OSA Affects Women Differently September 1, 2025 As we mark Women’s Health Week, it’s important to shine a light on a condition that is still too often overlooked in women: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a sleep disorder where the airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, causing breathing pauses, fragmented rest, and drops in oxygen levels.1 While it’s commonly portrayed as a men’s health issue—middle-aged, overweight men who snore loudly—the truth is that women are also affected, though their symptoms can look very different.2 Alarmingly, more than 90% of women with OSA remain undiagnosed.2 Why Women Are Underdiagnosed Classic sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring, observed pauses in breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness.3 Because women often present differently, their symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions like insomnia or anxiety.3 For example, women are more likely to describe chronic fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, or morning headaches, rather than feeling irresistibly sleepy during the day.3 As a result, their sleep disorder can be overlooked for years while they continue to struggle with low energy and poor quality of life. Hormones and Life Stages Hormonal changes play a powerful role in how OSA develops and presents in women3: Before menopause: Oestrogen and progesterone help keep airway muscles firm, halving the risk of OSA compared with men. After menopause: As these hormones decline, airway muscles weaken, weight gain becomes more common, and the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep rises. Post-menopausal women with untreated OSA face higher risks of hypertension, heart disease, and memory problems. During pregnancy: Some women develop gestational sleep apnea due to fluid retention, weight gain, and hormonal shifts. This condition increases the risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Even if symptoms ease after childbirth, the risk of developing chronic OSA later in life remains higher. Subtle but Serious Symptoms Unlike men, who often report loud snoring and excessive sleepiness, women with OSA may experience3,4: Insomnia or restless sleep Fatigue and brain fog rather than daytime napping Morning headaches and poor concentration Mood changes such as anxiety or depression Night-time urination or restless legs These symptoms can take a heavy toll. Left untreated, OSA raises the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even dementia.1 It also contributes to daytime tiredness that can increase the risk of accidents, especially on the road.1 Taking Action Because much of the research and screening tools have been designed around men, women need to advocate for themselves if they suspect something is wrong. If you experience chronic fatigue, restless nights, mood changes, or unrefreshing sleep—especially during pregnancy or after menopause—it’s worth discussing the possibility of sleep apnea with your doctor. A simple sleep study can confirm the diagnosis and open the door to treatments that restore energy, protect long-term health, and improve quality of life. This Women’s Health Week, remember: OSA is not just a man’s disease. If you’re living with unexplained fatigue or sleep struggles, don’t dismiss it—speak to your doctor. Your health, energy, and future wellbeing are worth it. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References Lin, Christine M., et al. “Gender Differences in Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Treatment Implications.” Sleep Medicine Reviews, vol. 12, no. 6, Dec. 2008, pp. 481–496, doi.org. “Women and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Clinical Differences and Treatment Responses - Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland.” Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland, 12 Oct. 2023, thoracicandsleep.com.au. Accessed 1 Sept. 2025. “Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women.” Sleep Foundation, 1 June 2023, sleepfoundation.org. seo, Intesols. “How Sleep Apnoea Presents Differently in Females Compared to Males.” Home Sleep, 21 Mar. 2025, homesleep.com.au. Accessed 1 Sept. 2025.
