There’s some bad news for women with sleep apnea. Recent studies by from the University of California, Los Angeles show that women who have sleep apnea experience more damage to their brain cells than men.
The link between sleep apnea and brain cell damage in men is not new. But more recent studies show that women experience more damage than men to certain brain cells. These cells are in the part of the brain that is involved in the regulation of moods and decision-making.
How common is sleep apnea?
- 4 to 9 percent of middle aged men experience obstructive sleep apnea.
- 2 to 4 percent of middle aged women experience sleep apnea.
If you thought that the numbers would be higher, you’re not alone. Research shows that as many as 90 percent of people with obstructive sleep apnea have not been diagnosed.
Even after diagnosis has been made, 10 percent of newly diagnosed women had not received treatment. That’s still better than the 20 percent of men who had not received treatment.
In addition to finding a higher severity of brain cell damage in the women with sleep apnea than the men, they also found that the women with the sleep condition had more symptoms of depression and anxiety than the men.
Do you think you may have sleep apnea? Ask your significant other or your family if you snore or wake often during sleep and don’t be embarrassed by the answers. Keep a sleep diary to record how you feel in the morning and throughout the day. Ladies, please get tested for sleep apnea. Husbands and families, please encourage a woman in your life to get tested if you even suspect she may have the disorder. We have amazing treatment options, but you’ll need to be tested first.
There’s a good night sleep waiting, just for you!