Menopause and Sleep Apnea: Why Your Risk Rises After 45

Menopause and Sleep Apnea: Why Your Risk Rises After 45

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it often brings unexpected changes to health and wellbeing. One lesser-known change is an increased risk of sleep apnea, a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing repeated interruptions in breathing.¹

How Hormones Affect Sleep and Breathing

During menopause, the ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone – hormones that influence mood, appetite, sex drive and, importantly, sleep.¹ These hormones play a role in keeping the airway stable and regulating how our bodies rest at night.¹

Oestrogen loss around menopause also leads to an increase in abdominal body fat, which can make snoring and airway blockages more likely.² With lower progesterone levels, there is less natural support for the breathing muscles.² Together, these changes increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.

A Hidden Risk for Women After Menopause

Research shows postmenopausal women are two to three times more likely to experience sleep apnea compared with premenopausal women.³ Despite this, it often goes undiagnosed.

Why? Many women don’t present with the “classic” symptom of loud snoring. Instead, their signs may be subtler, such as frequent awakenings, daytime fatigue or sleepiness, and reduced energy.³ These symptoms are often attributed to menopause itself or simply getting older.³ Some women may have partners who are heavy sleepers and don’t notice breathing pauses or snoring, further delaying recognition of the problem.³

Why Diagnosis Matters

Sleep apnea is more than just disrupted sleep. Repeated pauses in breathing can lead to poor quality rest and may increase the risk of long-term health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain.⁴ Treating sleep apnea can significantly improve energy levels and overall quality of life.⁵

What to Look Out For

If you are in your mid-40s or beyond and notice you wake feeling unrefreshed, struggle with daytime tiredness, or are told you snore or stop breathing during sleep, it may be time to consider whether sleep apnea is playing a role. Many women with sleep apnea actually present with insomnia-like symptoms rather than obvious snoring, which is why it is often overlooked by both patients and healthcare providers.²

Take Action for Better Sleep

If these symptoms sound familiar, speak to your doctor. A simple discussion and, if needed, a sleep study can confirm whether sleep apnea is affecting your sleep. Effective treatments are available and can make a profound difference in daily energy, focus and wellbeing. These include CPAP therapy, a bedside device which works by gently blowing air through a mask to keep your airway open, eliminating symptoms.⁵

Bottom line: Menopause changes your hormones and your body – and it can also change how you breathe at night. Don’t ignore ongoing tiredness or disrupted sleep. Talk to your doctor and take steps toward better, healthier sleep.

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

1. “Untangling the Mysteries of Sleep in Menopause.” Woolcock.org.au, 2023, www.woolcock.org.au/news/untangling-the-mysteries-of-sleep-in-menopause.
2. Grainger, Suzanne. “Menopause and Sleep - Australasian Menopause Society.” Menopause.org.au, 2024, menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/menopause-and-sleep. Accessed 27 July 2025.
3. “How Does Menopause Affect My Sleep?” Www.hopkinsmedicine.org, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-does-menopause-affect-my-sleep.
4. Newsom, Rob. “Is Sleep Apnea Connected to Heart Disease?” Sleep Foundation, 5 Feb. 2021, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-linked-heart-disease.
5. McCrimmon, Katie Kerwin, and UCHealth. “Overnight Cure for Poor Sleep: The Benefits of CPAP.” UCHealth Today, 2 June 2020, www.uchealth.org/today/benefits-of-cpap-for-sleep-apnea/.