*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Sleep Medicine Specialist Dr. Kin Yuen

Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Menopause

Menopause brings a myriad of changes, but one less frequently discussed is the increased risk of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Sleep medicine expert, Dr. Kin Yuen explains why this symptom not only disrupts sleep but also may increase the chance of developing high blood pressure, difficulty with weight loss, and other health risks. It's crucial for women in midlife to recognize the symptoms, understand why it occurs, and know what can be done to manage it effectively. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing or cessations of breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can occur multiple times each night and last from a few seconds to minutes. Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms overlap those of menopause, such as fatigue and night sweats, frequent urination at night, making it difficult to distinguish without proper testing.

Why Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea Happen in Menopause?

Hormonal Changes The onset of menopause brings a fluctuation in the levels of reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help maintain muscle tone in the throat and prevent airway collapse during sleep. As these hormone levels change, the risk of developing sleep apnea increases due to variable levels of support of the airway, which can then lead to obstructions of breathing at night. Increased Risk Factors in Menopause Studies have shown that postmenopausal women are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea compared to premenopausal women. The protective effect of hormones is lost with menopause, and age-related muscle tone deterioration further contributes to this risk. Additionally, weight gain commonly associated with menopause can exacerbate the risk of sleep apnea.

What Can You Do About Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Menopause?

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Weight Management: Keeping a healthy weight reduces fatty tissue build up around the tongue and throat, which then helps reduce throat constriction.
• Sleeping Positional Therapy: Sleeping on the side can prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
• Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances can relax the throat muscles and worsen sleep apnea.

Medical Treatments:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This device provides a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
• Oral Appliances: Custom-fit dental devices can help keep the airway open by bringing the lower jaw forward.
• Surgery: For severe cases, procedures to remove excess tissue or adjust facial structures might be considered.

Screening and Professional Advice:

• Given the subtlety of symptoms and the overlap with menopausal signs, professional evaluation is extremely important. If you suspect you might have obstructive sleep apnea, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a sleep study done to confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.