Why Do Snoring and Sleep Apnea Become more Prevalent in Post-Menopausal Women?
The decreased levels of Estrogen and Progesterone during menopause are known to affect muscle tone in the upper airway making the muscles more collapsible. Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) has also been found to be linked to fluctuating hormone levels in women. Snoring and Sleep Apnea occur due to the collapsibility of the upper airway muscle tissue. The tone, or strength, of the muscle tissue is related to the levels of these hormones. When muscle tone diminishes, the upper airway becomes more collapsible, which can lead to snoring and sleep apnea. Additionally, hormonal changes can also lead to weight gain, which is known to increase the presence of Snoring and Sleep Apnea.
