The Silent Sleep Struggle: Why Sleep Apnea Is Being Missed in Women March 22, 2026 March Is Women’s Month — And It’s Time We Talk About Sleep March is Women’s Month — a meaningful time to raise awareness of issues that quietly affect millions of women. One of the most overlooked? Sleep apnea. While many people still think of sleep apnea as a condition that mainly affects middle-aged men who snore loudly, the reality is far more complex. In fact, sleep apnea is significantly underdiagnosed in women, and that gap can have real consequences for long-term health and wellbeing.1 Why Women Often Go Undiagnosed Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. In men, the signs are often obvious: loud snoring, gasping, or choking during the night. But women frequently present differently.1 Instead of the classic “loud snorer” profile, women may experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, morning headaches, restless sleep, difficulty concentrating, or waking feeling unrefreshed despite spending enough hours in bed.1 These signs can be subtle and easily dismissed as stress, hormonal changes, busy lifestyles, or simply “getting older.”1 Because traditional research and screening criteria were historically based on male symptoms, many women don’t fit the typical description.2 As a result, they may not be referred for testing — or may not realise sleep apnea could be the cause. Hormones, Life Stages and Risk Hormonal shifts also play a role. The risk of sleep apnea increases during pregnancy and rises significantly after menopause.3 Oestrogen and progesterone help support airway stability, and when levels decline, breathing disturbances during sleep can become more common.3 Women with conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders may also have a higher risk.4,5 Yet despite these factors, awareness remains low. Why Early Diagnosis Matters Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring or feeling tired. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and impaired daytime functioning.6 It can affect work performance, mood, memory, and overall quality of life.7 The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. CPAP therapy involves a bedside machine which gently blows air through a mask to keep your airway open, eliminating symptoms.8 It’s Time to Advocate for Your Sleep This Women’s Month, consider your sleep as a vital sign — just as important as diet, exercise, or regular health checks. If you regularly wake feeling exhausted, experience morning headaches, struggle with concentration, or have been told you snore or stop breathing during sleep, it’s worth having a conversation with your GP. Sleep apnea in women is often missed — but it doesn’t have to be. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Speak to your doctor and ask whether a sleep assessment is appropriate. Better sleep could be closer than you think — and you deserve to feel fully rested, energised, and well. 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 90 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive 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 Young, T., et al. “The Gender Bias in Sleep Apnea Diagnosis.” Archives of Internal Medicine, 1996. 2 Dunietz, G. L., et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Women.” CHEST, 2025. 3 NHLBI. “Sleep Apnea and Women.” 4 Robards, K. “PCOS and Sleep Apnea Risk.” Sleep Education, 2022. 5 White, E. “Sleep Apnea and Hypothyroidism.” Paloma Health, 2024. 6 Paschou, S. A., et al. “Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Risk.” Nutrients, 2022. 7 Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland. “OSA and Cognitive Performance.” 8 Katella, K. “Sleep Apnea and CPAP.” Yale Medicine, 2022.
