A Daughter's Observation Sparks a Health Journey

Helen Robinson, a 66-year-old retired teacher from Bromley, Kent, discovered she snored only after her daughter brought it to her attention during a family gathering. Initially, Helen felt embarrassed, as she associated snoring with overweight men and considered it 'unladylike'.

Initial Attempts and Emerging Symptoms

Helen initially tried various remedies, such as adjusting her sleeping position and using anti-snoring pillows. However, she also began experiencing headaches, a dry mouth, a persistent cough, and increasing difficulty falling back asleep. She initially attributed these symptoms to the natural aging process.

Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

These symptoms ultimately led Helen to seek medical advice from her GP in January 2024. After nearly a year of testing, including lung function checks and overnight oxygen monitoring, she received a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

OSA is a chronic condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to airway collapse. It's more than just snoring; the repeated drops in oxygen levels can trigger adrenaline surges, increasing blood pressure and potentially leading to heart attack and stroke.

The Growing Prevalence of OSA

An estimated 12 million people in the UK are affected by OSA, yet approximately 85% remain undiagnosed. Traditionally, OSA was considered primarily a condition affecting overweight, older men, diagnosed roughly three times more often in men than women.

OSA in Women: A Rising Concern

Recent research indicates that OSA is significantly more common in women than previously thought, particularly after menopause. A study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders revealed that 36% of pre-menopausal women exhibited OSA symptoms, rising to 53.9% in post-menopausal women.

Projected Increase in Cases

Projections from ResMed Science Center suggest a 65.4% increase in OSA cases among women by 2050, compared to a 19.3% increase in men. This increase is attributed to an aging population and improved recognition of the condition.

Why OSA is Often Missed in Women

The underdiagnosis in women is partly due to embarrassment and the perception that snoring is not 'feminine', leading women to report fatigue rather than snoring to their doctors. Menopause also plays a crucial role, with declining levels of progesterone and oestrogen weakening airway muscles.

Atypical Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

OSA symptoms can manifest differently in women, sometimes presenting with fewer or less obvious symptoms and lacking typical cardiovascular risk factors. The overlap between OSA symptoms and menopause symptoms, such as brain fog and irritability, can also lead to misdiagnosis.

Helen's Treatment Plan

Helen has been offered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, the standard NHS treatment for OSA. CPAP therapy delivers air to prevent airway collapse during sleep.