San Francisco and Marin CA
Sleep apnea is a serious condition affecting millions of Americans, yet it often goes undiagnosed—especially in women. This common sleep disorder can significantly impact health, well-being, and quality of life if left untreated. At Glen Park Dental, we understand the unique challenges women face when recognizing and managing sleep apnea. Our compassionate and comprehensive approach helps you take control of your sleep health.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing that disrupt your sleep cycle. The most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), often leads to loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds during the night.
While men with sleep apnea often show classic symptoms like loud snoring and daytime sleepiness, women’s symptoms can be different and more subtle, including:
- Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed
- Fatigue throughout the day
- Mood changes such as anxiety or depression
- Frequent morning headaches
These less obvious signs can make it harder for women to identify sleep apnea, sometimes leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Why Sleep Apnea Is Often Overlooked in Women
Women’s sleep apnea symptoms tend to be more subtle than men’s, which can lead to misdiagnoses such as insomnia, depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Hormonal changes during key life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, can further complicate the diagnosis:
- Pregnancy increases risk due to weight gain and changes in breathing patterns.
- Post-menopausal women may face a higher risk of OSA because of hormone fluctuations.
Because sleep apnea is less commonly recognized in women, staying aware of these signs and seeking an evaluation if symptoms persist is critical.
The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Women’s Health
If left untreated, sleep apnea can take a toll on women’s health, contributing to both short- and long-term complications such as:
- Heart Health Risks: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Poor sleep can disrupt hormone regulation, impacting metabolism and energy levels.
- Mental Health Challenges: Interrupted sleep can cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
- Chronic Conditions: Untreated sleep apnea may contribute to diabetes and other illnesses.
The good news is that effective treatments exist, and addressing sleep apnea can greatly improve your overall health and quality of life.
Diagnosis and Treatment at Glen Park Dental
At Glen Park Dental, we offer a patient-focused approach to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. Women who suspect they may have sleep apnea can benefit from our at-home sleep studies, which allow you to monitor your sleep in the comfort of your own bed while gathering important data on oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and interruptions.
Once diagnosed, we work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. One of our most effective options is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy is a cornerstone of dental sleep medicine, involving a custom-fitted oral device designed to keep your airway open during sleep.
These appliances are:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Portable and travel-friendly
- Non-invasive and medication-free
By gently adjusting the position of your jaw and tongue, these devices help prevent airway collapse, improving sleep quality and providing a reliable alternative for those who struggle with CPAP machines or prefer a simpler solution.
Glen Park Dental: Your Partner in Better Sleep
Our experienced team at Glen Park Dental is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients with sleep apnea. We understand how this condition uniquely affects women and tailor solutions to meet your specific needs.
We prioritize comfort, education, and long-term wellness—helping you take control of your sleep and overall health.
Take Control of Your Sleep Health Today
If you’re noticing signs of sleep apnea or suspect you may be at risk, don’t wait to get help. Glen Park Dental makes it easy to take the first step with at-home sleep studies and personalized treatment plans.
📞 Call us today at (415) 799-3900 to learn more or schedule your consultation.
📍 Conveniently located in San Francisco, CA, we’re here to support your journey to better sleep and better health.
