Pharmafile Logo

Why Sleep Health is the Missing Link in Women’s Wellness

While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately 32% of US adults—nearly 80 million people—it remains an “epidemic hiding in plain sight”. Perhaps most staggering is that 90% of women with the condition are undiagnosed. In the latest Hear From Her podcast, host Jovana Lubarda, PhD, joins Dr. Kimberly Sterling and Dr. Audrey Wells to discuss why women are slipping through the diagnostic cracks.

- PMLiVE

Listen to the full episode here.

The “Invisible” Symptoms

The traditional “poster child” for OSA is a middle-aged man who snores loudly, but these symptoms often do not apply to women. Dr. Wells and Dr. Sterling, both of whom are OSA patients themselves, highlight that women’s symptoms are often subtle and non-specific:

  • Fatigue over Sleepiness: Women often report feeling “tired” or “exhausted” rather than the classic symptom of falling asleep during the day.
  • The Diagnostic Maze: Retrospective data shows women often travel a pathway of depression, anxiety, or insomnia diagnoses before receiving an OSA diagnosis.
  • REM-Related Apnea: Women are more likely to have apnea that occurs during REM sleep, which can lead to false-negative results on home sleep tests.

Listen to the full episode here.

Why Treatment Matters

Untreated OSA is a breathing disorder that erodes brain, heart, and metabolic health. However, modern CPAP technology is now quiet, travel-friendly, and customized. Research even suggests that CPAP treatment can lead to a 37% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 55% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality.

“Until you look, you don’t actually know,” warns Dr. Wells. By advocating for your own sleep health, you can move past the exhaustion and reclaim your vitality.

Listen to the full episode now to learn how to stop overexplaining your exhaustion and start reclaiming your vitality.

 

Follow us for updates on upcoming podcasts and more insightful conversations.

For more information, please contact Jelena Spyropoulos.

About Medscape Education

Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free CME and CE courses for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professional

This content was provided by Medscape Education

Company Details

 Latest Content from  Medscape Education 

Medscape’s Virtual Patient Simulation Makes a Significant Impact on Real-World Treatment Selection for T2D

An analysis of data using Real-World Outcomes showed that a virtual patient simulation had a significant effect on real-world treatment selection for T2D. The paper, published in JMIR Medical Education,...

A Rare Disease Update from Medscape Education

A Novel Provider Education Module to Enhance Detection of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

New Outcomes Are a Breath of Fresh Air at ERS

ERS 2023 will mark the new release of outcomes data by Medscape Education Global. During the poster hall sessions on September 12, the Medscape team will present a poster that...

Medscape Education Launches 20th Older Driver Safety Educational Program

Education Supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Protecting the Heart Through Education at ESC 2023

Medscape Education Global is joining cardiology professionals from across Europe for ESC 2023 in Amsterdam. This year’s congress theme is “Joining Forces to Protect the Heart,” and Medscape will be...

Medscape’s Rare Disease Learning Center Has Reached 1 Million Learners

The Pathways in Rare Disease Learning Center celebrates a momentous achievement - engaging one million learners in its educational initiatives. This milestone signifies a profound impact on clinician confidence in...

Continuing Medical Education Outcomes are Much More Than Statistical Significance

At Medscape Education, we hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to analysing our programs. Our approach is unparalleled, employing a precise paired method that ensures we measure the...

The Most Important Person in the Room—A Look at Patient -Centricity at EHA

Across all of healthcare, a greater focus is being placed on patient centricity in order to improve outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life. Although patient centricity is necessary in...

Innovation in Education Leads to Positive Outcomes at EAN 2023

The Medscape team recently returned from the 9th Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in Budapest, Hungary. Among the various highlights of the congress, the team showcased...

The Lasting Impact of Cytomegalovirus Education 

Education on the signs, symptoms, and potential complications of cytomegalovirus (CMV) is in need of constant development, as this common disease affects nearly 1 in 3 children by age 5...