Women Living with Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea in women is often under-recognized, under-diagnosed and mis-diagnosed. About 1 in 5 women live with obstructive sleep apnea. Their symptoms show up differently than men. Learn more about our work on raising awareness about sleep apnea in women.
Women and OSA Roundtable
On March 26, 2026, ASAP hosted a roundtable discussion with 13 women ​from diverse backgrounds who shared their lived experiences and personal journeys from seeking diagnosis to navigating the treatment landscape, including daily challenges in living with OSA.
Our report summarizes the key highlights, themes, and insights from the discussion.
including key themes and takeaways.
Personal Stories
Women living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) often face unique and underrecognized challenges. Four women - Beth, Miranda, Shaila, and Jasmine share their journeys from life before diagnosis, through treatment and advocacy.
Fast Facts
1. The signs of sleep apnea in woman may not be the same in men. For women, signs may be mistaken for depression or menopause. Or they may have no obvious symptoms at all.
2. Nearly 1 in 5 woman have sleep apnea, a disorder that affects daytime functioning. But 9 in 10 woman with sleep apnea dont know they have it.
3. Sleep apnea is treatable. It is important to start a conversation with your healthcare provider to discuss whether you are at risk for sleep apnea or another sleep diorder
4. Treatment can improve your life. From your overall well-beig to cognition, mental, and physical health, the benefits of treatment can be life changing.
5. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to: High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, accidents, problems with alertness, memory, learing, and increased sensitivity to pain.
Red Flags: When To Get Help
Nightime Symptoms
-
Snorting
-
Snoring
-
Waking often at night
-
Difficulty staying asleep
-
Heartburn
-
Frequent bathroom visits
-
Restless sleep
-
Changes in dreaming
Daytime Symptoms
-
Brain fog
-
Feeling sleepy
-
Fatigued
-
Poor focus
-
Daytime tiredness
-
Morning headaches
-
Irritability
-
Anxiety or low mood
Other Risk Factors
-
Menopause
-
Perimenopause
-
Higher body weight
-
PCOS
-
High blood pressure
-
Diabetes
-
History of gestational diabetes
-
History of preeclampsia
-
Hypothyroidism
-
Heart rhythm issues
-
Family history of sleep apnea