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 Celebrates Eight Groundbreaking Publications at ATS 2025 International Conference

Medscape Education is proud to announce the presentation of eight innovative educational research publications at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference, held May 16–21 in San Francisco, CA....

The Future of CME in the Virtual World

The future of CME is here—and it’s personal, powerful, and primed for impact. In an era where clinician time is stretched thin, AI and digital innovation are transforming continuing medical...

Stronger Together: Medscape Education Celebrates Accomplishments in Rare Disease and Anticipates the World Health Assembly Adoption of the Resolution on Rare Diseases

Medscape Education is proud to be showcasing the power of working together in rare disease education and advocacy by co-hosting a side event at the 78th World Health Assembly in...

Intersection of Leadership and Advocacy: Driving Change Together for Women

We can’t talk about challenges to women’s reproductive health without acknowledging that we’re living in unprecedented times, say two mission-driven women’s healthcare leaders. Stephanie Sober, MD, MSHP, Global Director, Medical...

Shaping the Future of Hematology and Women’s Health

Changes in the healthcare world are likely to limit opportunities for young researchers, especially women.Three leaders in hematology — Belinda Avalos, Sarah O’Brien, and Marty Liggett — share the initiatives...

Are Clinicians Still Feeling the Burn? A Look at HCP Mental Health and Well-Being

One of the most critical topics to address in health care today is the mental health and well-being of physicians and other healthcare professionals. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shined a...

Medscape Women’s Health Joins Supporters in Sponsorship of SWHR’s 2025 Gala

Medscape Women’s Health is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) 2025 Gala, which took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, celebrating 35 Years...

Dermatology in Focus: Medscape Sponsors SDNP’s 2025 National Conference

Medscape Education is a proud sponsor of the 2025 SDNP National Conference, taking place from April 30 to May 3 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells,...

Medscape Education: Proud Friend of COA Sponsor at the Community Oncology Conference

Medscape Education is honored to be a Friend of COA sponsor at the Community Oncology Conference, taking place from April 28-30th in Orlando, FL. This partnership highlights our commitment to...

A Commitment to Elevating Patient Engagement and Integration

Medscape is honored to be the lead sponsor of the upcoming Measuring Patient Engagement Summit, taking place in Boston from April 29 to May 1. This event marks a pivotal...