Hormonal changes may impact sleep quality.

As women navigate the transformative stage of menopause, sleep issues may become more prevalent.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in women is commonly underdiagnosed. While men have a higher prevalence of OSA than women, this gender discrepancy decreases with advancing age.

Women report symptoms such as insomnia, restless legs, depression, and anxiety, which may be attributed to hormonal changes or getting older. Women’s symptoms of OSA tend to be more subtle, whereas men’s symptoms may be more overt, presenting as loud snoring or noticeable breathing interruptions.

Before menopause, women benefit from the effects of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones support the regulation of muscle tone in the airway and influence how the brain manages breathing during sleep.

As estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause, this protective mechanism may be weakened, which may lead to a higher likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep.

Additionally, a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with greater severity of OSA in both men and women.

Visceral fat accumulation is a notable risk factor for OSA and is strongly correlated with the severity of sleep apnea.

You may experience sleep pattern changes before, during, and after menopause.

If you’re having difficulty falling or staying asleep, you may want to speak with your doctor. They can help with a treatment plan so that you can get better rest!