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Byun, Lee, and Chung: Menopause and Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
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The Journal of Korean Society of Menopause

The Journal of Korean Society of Menopause 2012; 18(1): 1-5.

Published online: 30 April 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6118/jksm.2012.18.1.1

Menopause and Sleep Related Breathing Disorders

Jang Yul Byun, M.D.1, Jae Yong Lee, M.D., Ph.D.1, Soo-Ho Chung, M.D.2

1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.

2Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.

Address for Correspondence: Soo-Ho Chung, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Buchen Hospital, 1174 Jung-dong, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon 420-020, Korea. Tel: +82-32-621-5055, Fax: +82-32-621-5016, guardc@chol.com

Received 27 February 2012       Revised 12 March 2012       Accepted 23 March 2012

Copyright © 2012 by The Korean Society of Menopause

(open-access):

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/).

Abstract

Women after the menopause appear to be more susceptible to sleep related breathing disorders (SBDs). The increased prevalence of SBDs in postmenopausal women may be related to weight gain and the decline in female sex hormones levels. These conditions may cause upper airway obstruction, which can result in sleep disruption. Other sleep disorders, such as insomnia, depression, and fibromyalgia must be ruled out with SBDs in postmenopausal women with sleep difficulties. Once SBD is strongly suspected through medical history and precise physical examinations, polysomnogram is required for confirmatory diagnosis. In addition, other examinations besides polysomnogram should be performed to detect obstructed regions. Treatment of SBD can be classified into surgical method and non-surgical method. Treatment options must be carefully selected by considering the patient's clinical examinations, patient's preference, age and life style.

Keywords: Menopause, Sleep related breathing disorders

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Diagnostic criteria of obstructive sleep apnea
jksm-18-1-i001

Modified from "The international classification of sleep disorders: diagnostic and coding manual", by American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Copyright 2005 by American Academy of Sleep Medicine. PSG: polysomnogram, RERA: respiratory effort related arousal

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