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.