Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Study Suggests Sleep Apnea May be Extremely Underdiagnosed Among Women


Perhaps because regular snoring is its most common symptom, sleep apnea is often perceived as a problem that is greater among men. But an ever-growing array of evidence demonstrates that sleep apnea is a dangerous problem that does not discriminate by gender, age or race.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Uppsala and Umea University—the findings of which were published in the European Respiratory Journal—indicates that women experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at rates nearly as high as those of males. In a study of 400 women from a sample of 10,000 women between the ages of 20 and 70, approximately half suffered from symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

In findings echoed by other sleep apnea studies, the research showed a higher rate of OSA among those with hypertension or who were obese.

Sleep apnea is already thought to go undiagnosed in millions of people. The study suggests the problem of undiagnosed sleep apnea may be especially great with women.

If you or your partner suffers from chronic snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to undergo an evaluation by a qualified sleep dentist. The field of dental sleep medicine offers a number of safe, comfortable and effective treatment options for OSA and other types of sleep disorders.

Please contact IHateCPAP.com to locate a dentist near you who specializes in sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.

http://www.ihateheadaches.org/