The Healthy Living Segment

Host (Adam):
I’d like to do a bit of a thought experiment with you. Picture in your mind someone who has sleep apnea… I bet you pictured a man. I would have done the exact same thing.

There’s an unconscious bias most of us carry about who sleep apnea primarily affects. But what if that bias wasn’t harmless? What if it was a real barrier to women recognising they could be at risk and getting the treatment they need?

This becomes even more important around menopause. To help us unpack this, I’m joined by the founder and CEO of CPAP Direct, Bryce Perron. Welcome back to Healthy Living, Bryce.

Bryce Perron: Thanks Adam. Appreciate being here.

Host:
It’s true, isn’t it? We unconsciously think sleep apnea mainly affects men. How common is it actually in women?

Bryce:
I’m passionate about this because it’s so much more common than most people realise. Women absolutely get sleep apnea, and a huge number remain undiagnosed — especially during menopause.

As women approach menopause, many things change in the body and the prevalence of sleep apnea rises sharply. It can worsen dramatically. Part of the problem is that women often don’t present the same way as men, so many go under the radar for years.

The current diagnostic pathway is also quite flawed in my opinion — the screening questions are heavily geared towards identifying sleep apnea in men rather than women.

Host:
Let’s raise awareness. You said it becomes more common around menopause — can you explain that?

Bryce:
During menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline. These hormones play a role in breathing control and in supporting the muscles that keep the upper airway open. As those levels fall, the airway becomes more susceptible to narrowing or collapsing during sleep.

At the same time there are changes in body composition — gradual weight gain and a reduction in muscle tone. Put those factors together and a woman who never previously had sleep apnea can develop it, or existing mild sleep apnea can become worse. Importantly, she doesn’t need to be overweight or snore loudly to have it.

Host:
Which brings us to the other point — women don’t necessarily experience sleep apnea the same way as men. How does it present differently?

Bryce:
That’s one of the biggest reasons women get misdiagnosed. The classic picture is someone who snores loudly, stops breathing, and falls asleep during the day. Women can have those symptoms, but many don’t.

Sleep studies show women are more sensitive to respiratory events than men. Men often have full apneas that continue until oxygen levels drop significantly. In women, events are frequently partial blockages (hypopneas). These disturb sleep quality even when oxygen levels don’t fall much.

Over time this decimates sleep quality. Women often describe insomnia, frequent night-time awakenings, constant exhaustion (rather than classic sleepiness), brain fog, headaches, and changes in mood. They simply don’t feel refreshed anymore.

A UK research study found that women with mild sleep apnea actually reported worse symptoms than men and a much larger impact on quality of life.

Host:
That’s extraordinary — especially the point that insomnia can sometimes mask sleep apnea. You also said the screening system is flawed for women. What do you mean?

Bryce:
This is just my opinion, but look at common screening tools like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale that GPs use to see if someone qualifies for a Medicare-funded sleep study. Some of the questions give points for being male, having a high BMI, or a larger neck circumference — factors many women simply don’t have.

Because these tools are male-focused, a lot of women go under the radar.

Host:
What would you want every woman listening to understand and take away?

Bryce:
First — chronic fatigue isn’t something you should just learn to live with. If you’re continually exhausted and never feel refreshed (even when you think you’re getting enough hours), talk to your doctor.

Second — insomnia and constantly waking during the night can be associated with sleep apnea. It’s not always about dramatic stopping of breathing or loud snoring.

Third — lots of women have sleep apnea. You’re not unusual, and treatment doesn’t have to be intimidating. CPAP equipment has changed enormously, and there are now devices and masks specifically designed for women.

Getting diagnosed doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you — it means you’ve potentially found an explanation for why you’re not feeling your best. You know your body. Talk to your doctor about a sleep study, and ask to be referred to a sleep specialist if needed.

Host:
I’m sure this information will be valuable for many listeners. Bryce Perron, CEO and founder of CPAP Direct — thank you so much for sharing this on Healthy Living.

Bryce: Love it. Cheers.