The Link Between Severe Hot Flashes and Sleep Apnea Risk

When talking about menopause, symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes are frequently mentioned. Unfortunately, many people overlook the fact that another related condition also often appears in women during or after this point in their life—obstructive sleep apnea. Let’s take a look at some of the research that establishes a link between severe hot flashes and an increased risk of sleep apnea in women.

Hot Flashes and Sleep Apnea

A study published in Menopause found that hot flashes and night sweats are correlated with a heightened risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study used self-reported data from almost 1,700 midlife women. It was concluded that almost one in four of the women were at an intermediate or high risk of developing OSA. The more severe their hot flashes were, the greater their risk.

Of course, the research does not necessarily mean that hot flashes and night sweats cause sleep apnea. However, they do give menopausal women reason to pay attention to their symptoms. If you are going through menopause and are struggling with a lower quality of sleep, it may be worth your time to visit a sleep specialist to explore your symptoms further.

Underdiagnosis of OSA in Women

It is especially important for women to track the quality of their sleep and other possible indications of OSA because symptoms are often different between men and women. For example, while “loud snoring” is often the most talked-about sign of OSA, it does not always occur in women with OSA.

The above-mentioned study found that two years after the data was gathered, 65 percent of the women who had been considered high-risk for OSA still had not been diagnosed with it. Indeed, sleep disorders are often underdiagnosed among women, and without proper diagnosis, such women have no means of achieving higher-quality sleep. The result? Daily quality of life and overall health may suffer greatly due to inadequate sleep.

What You Can Do

If you are experiencing menopause, be on the lookout for signs of OSA. In addition to hot flashes and night sweats, other possible indications include:

• Waking up gasping for air
• Insomnia
• Depression and anxiety
• Restless leg syndrome

Do not be afraid to mention the possibility of OSA to your primary care physician. Often, doctors are inclined to ascribe subtle OSA symptoms to other causes and may not think to refer you to a sleep specialist.

Menopause can be a challenging transition for many women, especially for those who suffer from sleep disorders like OSA. However, by tracking your symptoms and communicating with your medical team, you may be able to get the diagnosis and treatment you need to achieve better rest every night.

Meet the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell, a board-certified specialist in sleep medicine with over 10 years of experience treating sleep breathing disorders is the practice’s founder and primary practitioner. The practice has three South Florida locations: Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Boca Raton. To learn more about Florida Dental Sleep Disorders and Dr. Kenneth Mogell, contact our team at 844-294-7559.