Nocturia in Women With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is underdiagnosed in women compared with men. Women have a tendency to underreport or present with atypical symptoms such as behavior changes, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. Nocturia, waking up from sleep 2 times or more to void, has been shown to be associated with OSA, but it is not an included symptom in commonly used screening questionnaires in primary provider offices. About 50% of patients with OSA have nocturia, and treatment of OSA improves it. Recognition of nocturia as a relevant symptom of OSA is important for primary providers to provide timely referral for the diagnosis of OSA.

Automated summary

Obstructive sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed in women compared to men, with women presenting with atypical symptoms like behavior changes, insomnia, fatigue, and depression. Nocturia, waking up multiple times during the night to urinate, is associated with OSA and can improve with treatment. Recognizing nocturia as a relevant symptom of OSA is crucial for timely referral and diagnosis by primary providers.