Open AirWaves Episode 9: Sleep Apnea Across Menopause-Open AirWaves Episode 9 (Video)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this episode of Open Airwaves, Dr. Tania DeSanto interviews Dr. Andrea Matsumura about women’s sleep health, especially in midlife and menopause. Dr. Matsumura explains how women often present differently than men, with symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, fragmented sleep, and feeling unrefreshed rather than classic loud snoring or witnessed apneas. Because most sleep screening tools and research are based on men, women are frequently underdiagnosed.<br /><br />The discussion covers how hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause affect airway tone, ventilation, sleep architecture, and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Matsumura notes that progesterone and estrogen loss can worsen sleep and breathing, while melatonin also declines with age. She emphasizes that menopause hormone therapy can help some women but is not a guaranteed cure for sleep apnea.<br /><br />The episode also addresses the harms of outdated assumptions and research, including the long-lasting impact of the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative. Dr. Matsumura urges clinicians to take women’s symptoms seriously, consider sleep studies even when AHI is mild, and collaborate across specialties. Her final message: women who are exhausted should keep seeking answers and a provider who listens.

Keywords

women's sleep health

menopause

midlife

obstructive sleep apnea

insomnia

fatigue

hormonal changes

sleep screening

women's health initiative