Women, heart health and sleep apnea. Is there a correlation?

There is a growing body of research that suggests sleep apnea may have a significant impact on heart health in women. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this research and explore the possible correlation between women, heart health and sleep apnea.

What exactly is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This interruption can happen multiple times throughout the night and can last for seconds or even minutes. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and feel very tired during the day.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, causing a blockage in the airway.
• Central sleep apnea (CSA): This type of sleep apnea occurs when there is a problem with the communication between the brain and the muscles that control breathing.

Evidence suggests women may be particularly vulnerable to some of the health complications associated with sleep apnea.

As an example, sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke in women.

There are a number of possible explanations for why sleep apnea may have a greater impact on heart health in women. One theory is that sleep apnea may cause changes in hormones that can lead to cardiovascular problems. Sleep apnea has also been linked to inflammation, which is a known risk factor for heart disease.

A study by researchers at the UCLA School of Nursing looked into the differences between how men and women experience sleep apnea and its impact on the body. Their results suggested that females may be at particular risk for heart-related issues as a result of sleep apnea. It’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm the link between sleep apnea and heart health in women and in fact sleep apnea is often undiagnosed in women as their sleep apnea symptoms can present differently.

Among women, symptoms that aren’t necessarily clearly linked with sleep apnea can indicate it’s actually an issue and include morning headaches, difficulty falling and staying asleep, mood disorders and fatigue. Of course, these symptoms aren’t uncommon concerns and can have many different causes but it’s important not to dismiss sleep apnea as a potential reason for them.

Undetected and untreated sleep apnea can result in significant health concerns for men and women and so if you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important to see a doctor so you can get properly diagnosed and begin treatment to reduce your risk of developing serious complications. Our sleep scientists are experts in the diagnosis and management of sleep apnea and are always on hand to answer your questions. Call us on 1800 717 566 to book a consultation at one of many convenient locations.