Sex differences in sleep disordered breathing in adults

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology
• Sex Differences in Health

Background:

• Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is more common in men than women.
• Sex disparities in SDB may stem from differences in diagnosis, presentation, and pathophysiology.
• Women often exhibit atypical SDB symptoms and apneic events during rapid eye movement sleep.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on sex differences in sleep-disordered breathing.
• To examine the role of upper airway mechanics, chemoreflexes, and sex hormones in breathing during sleep.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating sex differences in SDB.
• Analysis of physiological mechanisms influencing breathing control during sleep.
• Examination of hormonal influences on respiratory patterns.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests sex-based differences in upper airway structure and neural control of breathing.
• Chemoreflex sensitivity and hormonal factors may modulate breathing patterns differently in men and women.
• Apneic events in women are more frequently observed during rapid eye movement sleep.

Conclusions:

• Sex significantly influences the prevalence, presentation, and mechanisms of sleep-disordered breathing.
• Understanding these sex differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of sleep apnea.
• Further research into hormonal and biomechanical factors is warranted.