Gender’s Relationship with Sleep Cycles and Sleep Apnea

July 19, 2019

There are quite a few physiological differences between men and women. Height, weight, body composition, hormonal interactions, and more all have a strong connection to an individual’s gender. But did you know that whether you are male or female can also have a big impact on the quality of your sleep and your risk for sleep apnea in Boca Raton? Let’s take a moment to talk about this fascinating subject.

Sleep Cycles

Your body’s circadian rhythm is its internal clock. It tells you when to go to bed and when to get up in the morning. Light and darkness influence your brain and play a role in helping it regulate your circadian rhythm. For most individuals, regardless of whether they are male or female, their circadian rhythm operates on cycles that are about 24 hours long.

However, it is worth noting that on average, a man’s daily cycle is a few minutes closer to 24 hours than a woman’s. A woman’s daily sleep-wake cycle may be slightly shorter, which can make her a bit more tired in the evening and more likely to rise early in the morning. Women are also more likely to be susceptible to early-waking sleep disorders, such as insomnia.

The differences between men’s and women’s sleep cycles become especially significant when women’s bodies go through natural changes. For example, pregnancy, menopause, and the monthly menstrual cycle can all cause sleep disturbances for women and disrupt their circadian rhythm.

Sleep Apnea

In general, men are at a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea than women. However, postmenopausal women are at roughly the same risk as men. The two genders might even experience different sleep apnea symptoms. For example, classic sleep apnea signs, such as snoring and gasping for air, are less likely to occur in women.

Another difference in how men and women experience sleep apnea relates to how it affects their daily lives. Men are quicker to show symptoms of sleep deprivation than women, and men tend to bounce back a little slower from periods of sleep deprivation. Therefore, men may be diagnosed with sleep apnea much more readily than women. However, that does not mean that women should not worry about sleep apnea and its effects. On average, adults of both genders require about eight hours of high-quality sleep each night to maintain optimal health.

Achieving Better Sleep

Regardless of your gender, you should be aware of the quality and quantity of your sleep. If you are experiencing any serious problems, such as daily fatigue or persistent insomnia, there is no shame in seeking professional help. A qualified sleep doctor can help you analyze why you are not sleeping well and help you receive treatment that will enable you to get the shuteye you need to enjoy your life to the full.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a dentist who focuses on helping both men and women conquer sleep apnea with the help of custom oral appliances, which are a convenient alternative to CPAP therapy in Boca Raton. If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, contact Dr. Mogell’s office today at 561-353-5252 to learn more about how he may be able to serve you.