Know your signs. Start a conversation
July 6, 2026
Do you think you are at risk for or have symptoms of sleep apnea? This handy guide will help women to identify potential signs and assess their risk factors of sleep apnea. This can also help healthcare providers pay attention to their female patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea, because their symptoms can differ from those in male patients.
Common signs
Nighttime Signs
Snoring or snorting during sleep
Waking often at night
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Nighttime heartburn
Frequent bathroom visits
Restless sleep, changes in dreaming
Daytime Signs
Brain fog
Feeling sleepy
Fatigued
Poor focus
Daytime tiredness
Morning headaches
Irritability
Anxiety or low mood
You may be at higher risk if you have
Menopause
Perimenopause
Higher body weight
PCOS
Hypothyroidism
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Heart rhythm issues
History of gestational diabetes
History of preeclamsia
A family history of sleep apnea
Why it matters
Untreated sleep apnea can affect your:
Energy
Mood
Memory and focus
Daily functioning
Overall health
Cause chronic health conditions
What to say to your doctor
“Could sleep apnea be causing these symptoms?”
“I wake up tired and do not feel rested.”
“Should I be evaluated for sleep apnea?”
Next step
If several of these signs sound familiar, bring this handout to your appointment.
A simple conversation can be the first step toward better sleep and feeling more like yourself again.
Colorful infographic with blue purple gradient describing signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA in women. This patient resource also has some images of women and provides useful tips on how to start a conversation with a doctor if suspecting OSA.