Reliable Insights From Our Keller, TX, Sleep Apnea Specialist
Sleep apnea is often considered a “man’s disease,” and while men are diagnosed at higher rates, millions of women suffer from this serious sleep disorder, often without knowing it. The problem? Women’s symptoms tend to present differently from men’s, making the condition harder to recognize and frequently misdiagnosed.
At North Texas Sleep Solutions in Keller, TX, Dr. Rebecca Lauck specializes in identifying and treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in both men and women. If you’re a woman experiencing unexplained fatigue, insomnia, or mood changes, and if you can’t fall asleep in general, you could be living with undiagnosed sleep apnea.
Contact our office at (817) 431-6764 to schedule a consultation with our Keller, TX, sleep specialist and get the answers you deserve. We also proudly serve patients in Southlake, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, and beyond.
Why Sleep Apnea in Keller, TX, Often Goes Undiagnosed in Women
Sleep apnea is a condition where the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing that disrupt the sleep cycle. These interruptions lead to fragmented, poor-quality sleep and can contribute to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
While men tend to report classic symptoms like loud snoring and gasping for air, women often present with more subtle or non-specific symptoms, including:
- Insomnia or trouble staying asleep
- Chronic fatigue or low energy
- Morning headaches
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Anxiety or depression
- Memory problems or brain fog
Since these symptoms overlap with other conditions, like menopause, thyroid disorders, or mental health concerns, women are often misdiagnosed or dismissed.
Key Differences in Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Women
1. Less Frequent Snoring
While many women with sleep apnea in Keller, TX, do snore, it’s often quieter or less noticeable than the loud snoring typically seen in men.
Why It’s Important: Because snoring is the most recognized sign of sleep apnea, women may be overlooked if their snoring isn’t severe or disruptive.
2. Insomnia-Like Symptoms
Women with OSA may describe symptoms similar to insomnia, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Why It’s Important: These symptoms may lead to a diagnosis of primary insomnia or anxiety, rather than a sleep breathing disorder.
3. Daytime Exhaustion Without a Clear Cause
Persistent fatigue, low energy, or irritability may be attributed to stress, parenting, or hormonal changes, rather than a sleep disorder.
Why It’s Important: Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest warrants a deeper evaluation, especially when combined with other symptoms.
4. Mood and Cognitive Changes
Women with undiagnosed sleep apnea often report depression, anxiety, or brain fog.
Why It’s Important: These issues are frequently treated with medications, while the root cause—poor sleep from OSA—goes unaddressed.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea in Women
Although men are statistically more likely to be diagnosed, several life stages and health conditions increase the risk of sleep apnea in women:
- Menopause: Hormonal changes can affect the muscles that keep the airway open, increasing the risk.
- Pregnancy: Weight gain and fluid retention can temporarily narrow airways.
- Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the neck or upper airway, increases risk.
- Family History: Genetics plays a role in airway structure and the risk of sleep disorders.
Why It’s Important: Recognizing these risk factors can prompt earlier screening and treatment before complications develop. Reach out to a reliable sleep dentist near you promptly to avoid these risk factors.
The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea in Women
Sleep apnea affects much more than sleep. Left untreated, it can significantly increase the risk of:
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Cognitive decline and memory problems
Since the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen during apnea episodes, the cardiovascular and nervous systems are under constant stress. As a result, the blood oxygen levels drop, and you may have trouble breathing during sleep.
Treating the root cause can dramatically improve physical health, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Fortunately, a sleep specialist near you can quickly diagnose the problem with a sleep study so that you can avoid certain symptoms and risk factors.
Diagnosing and Treating Sleep Apnea in Keller, TX
If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue, mood swings, or poor sleep quality, a sleep evaluation can determine whether sleep apnea is the underlying cause. At North Texas Sleep Solutions, Dr. Lauck provides comprehensive assessments and non-invasive treatment options for women with sleep-disordered breathing.
The most common treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. These custom-made devices reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. Many women prefer this option because it’s:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Quiet and travel-friendly
- Less intrusive than CPAP machines
In more severe cases, Dr. Lauck may refer patients for CPAP therapy or collaborate with sleep specialists for comprehensive care.
When to Talk to a Sleep Apnea Specialist Near Southlake
You should consider a sleep apnea evaluation if you experience:
- Frequent excessive daytime sleepiness despite seven to nine hours of sleep
- Trouble staying asleep or waking up frequently
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression with no clear cause
- A history of high blood pressure or heart issues
Don’t ignore symptoms just because they’re not “typical.” Many women go years without an accurate diagnosis simply because their symptoms don’t fit the mold.
Schedule a Sleep Consultation With Dr. Lauck Today!
At North Texas Sleep Solutions, we understand that sleep apnea doesn’t look the same in everyone. Dr. Rebecca Lauck takes the time to listen, evaluate, and create personalized solutions—especially for women whose symptoms have been overlooked or misdiagnosed.
To schedule your consultation, contact our Keller, TX, sleep specialist today at (817) 431-6764. We’re proud to serve patients in Keller, Watauga, Southlake, Colleyville, North Richland Hills, and surrounding areas.