Aug 11th 2020

​Men with Sleep Apnea: Why Men Are More Likely to Suffer From Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Men with Sleep Apnea: Why Men Are More Likely to Suffer From Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In America, over 20 million adults are living with sleep apnea. While obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can affect any demographic, men have a higher chance of acquiring this sleep disorder than women.

Early treatment and intervention are always helpful in alleviating and improving your sleep apnea symptoms regardless of gender. Nevertheless, if you are a male sleep apnea patient, here are some statistical facts to keep in mind:

• Obstructive sleep apnea affects men two to three times than it would affect women.
• Loud snoring and gasping for air in the middle of the night are two of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Men are more likely to experience these than women.
• 1 in 4 male deaths every year is caused by a condition related to sleep apnea, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Sleep hypoxia, which is a sleep apnea-induced disorder where the body has low levels of oxygen in the blood, can cause erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, and a decrease in testosterone level.

Based on the data provided, men with sleep apnea are more common because they often are the ones reporting symptoms that may be related to sleep apnea. This includes loud snoring, daily fatigue, and gasping for air in the middle of the night. Women, on the other hand, report symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. While anxiety and depression are also symptoms of sleep apnea, these are not as common; therefore, these are often mistaken for hypochondria, hypertension, and other disorders, In many cases, the telltale signs of sleep apnea in women are not as obvious as that of men.

Should diagnosis and treatment differ between genders?

Diagnosis and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea should vary based on the individual. While there are key differences between a male and female sleep apnea patient, your therapy should still be tailored based on your CPAP needs. The best advice would be to consult with your sleep doctor as they’ll be able to help you with your treatment planning.