Sleep apnea in postmenopausal women is associated with joint pain severity and fatigability, according to a new study from Japan published in the journal Menopause.¹

The researchers recruited 51 women who had sleep disorders that were non-responsive to treatment with hypnotics to study the association between sleep apnea and postmenopausal symptoms. A portable monitoring device was used to measure the respiratory disturbance index (RDI), frequency of apnea-hypopnea episodes per hour and the oxygen saturation (SpO₂) during one night of sleep. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Cornell Medical Index, and the Questionnaire for Assessment of Climacteric Syndrome in Japanese Women were used to assess sleep disturbance and physical and psychological symptoms.

Seven out of the total of 51 women had obstructive sleep apnea. A significant association was observed between joint pain and higher respiratory disturbance index (RDI) after adjustment for age and body mass index. A similar association was also noted between lower nadir SpO₂ and fatigability.

The prevalence of sleep apnea is nearly 5 times higher in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women. Obstructive sleep apnea often manifests with symptoms like daytime fatigue, morning headaches and insomnia. Hence, its diagnosis is quite often missed. This study has demonstrated a significant correlation between sleep apnea and joint pain. Women who had more respiratory distress had more severe joint pain. Based on these results, the researchers suggest that postmenopausal women with severe joint pain and fatigability should be screened for sleep-disordered breathing such as frequent loud snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Reference

1. Odai T, et al. Sleep apnea in postmenopausal women is associated with joint pain severity and fatigability: a cross-sectional study. Menopause. 2022 Feb 28. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001974.