Women & Sleep Apnea Risk

A new study estimated the risk for obstructive sleep apnea among women in the U.S.

The study involved telephone survey responses from 1,254 women; OSA risk was estimated using the Berlin Questionnaire.

Results indicate that one in four women in America is at high risk of having OSA. Habitual snoring was reported by 61 percent of women with a high risk; 24 percent reported daytime sleepiness. Insomnia and restless legs syndrome also were frequently reported.

The risk for sleep apnea increased with age, obesity, and menopause. Women at high risk also were more likely to report having a chronic medical disorder.

In June the Sleep Education Blog reported that women may be surprised by sleep apnea. A recent study examined the signs of OSA in women.

Are you at risk for sleep apnea? STOP and find out. You also can answer these questions on SleepEducation.com to learn more about your risk.

Learn more on SleepEducation.com about snoring and sleep apnea in women.

Get help for sleep apnea at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.