PCOS and Sleep Apnea

PCOS has been strongly linked to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by brief episodes of stopped breathing during sleep. This disrupts sleep and impacts oxygen delivery to the body. Sleep apnea can lead to lower pain tolerance, high blood pressure, mood changes, heart disease, and increased weight. Signs of sleep apnea may also include

Excessive sleepiness during waking hours
Attention problems
Chronic snoring
Episodes of ceased breathing while asleep (witnessed by another person)

If you suspect a sleep problem, talk to your doctor. A sleep study is a test used to diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. During the test, the activity of your brain, heart, and lungs are monitored while you sleep. If sleep apnea or another sleep disorder is diagnosed, treatment (like CPAP for sleep apnea) can help. Treatment will help you get better sleep and better health.