PCOS and Sleep Apnea: Is There a Link?

It’s remarkable how complex, how utterly interconnected and intricate, the human body really is. How often have you found it to be the case that an affliction or abnormality in one part of the body ultimately affects the functioning of other bodily systems? You might be surprised at some of the cause-and-effect relationships that exist in different bodily systems—for instance, the relationship between PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and the sleep you get at night. There is a very real relationship here, and it’s important that the relationship between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and sleep apnea be fully understood by those women who may suffer from these interconnected health conditions.

But first things first: The relationship to sleep apnea aside, what is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) most fundamentally? It is a commonly occurring affliction. Roughly 5-10% of all women of childbearing age suffer from this condition, making it the most common of all female hormonal disorders. It’s a condition that can cause infertility, miscarriage, and a variety of other health problems including sleep disorders. Fighting this condition is not only a physical struggle, because many of its symptoms can cause major changes to your body, it is also an emotional struggle that can cause you to feel depressed, unhappy, and anxious. PCOS and sleep conditions are known to be connected. Even more worrisome is the fact that if you’re a woman with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) you are at a higher risk of developing a variety of very serious sleep disorders, like sleep apnea.

But how does PCOS result in sleep apnea? Again, the answer lies in the fact that the human body is just so complex, its parts so interconnected. There is, for instance, a fairly significant link between the disorder and weight gain—something that stems, in turn, from the relationship between the disorder and Insulin Resistance. Insulin Resistance makes it difficult for the body to absorb energy, which can cause weight gain—and that, in turn, can lead to trouble sleeping soundly.

Moreover, studies have shown, again and again, that PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) can result in a major increase in the production of the male hormone, testosterone. A hormonal imbalance, as you might imagine, can cause all kinds of other issues, and sleep apnea is high on the list.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is something to be taken seriously. Serious though it may be, however, the symptoms of PCOS are reversible. Indeed, there are practical steps that can be taken toward reversing sleep apnea.

Health-care professionals will often ask their patients to make healthy lifestyle changes before undergoing more thorough testing when their sleep apnea is not deemed to be too severe. The reason is that weight loss from a healthier diet and more active lifestyle can often provide relief from sleep apnea. As a woman with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) you should be making these changes anyway. However, should the disorder not get any better, overnight sleep evaluations, nocturnal polysomnography, or even portable, at-home tests can be recommended.

Of course, if sleep apnea is caused by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), then the best course of action is to treat the underlying condition, which can be Insulin Resistance. If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome you’re encouraged to adhere to the following natural treatment schedule in an effort to reverse Insulin Resistance and other symptoms, like sleep apnea.

Eat a healthy diet that will minimize the amount of insulin released by your body. Foods high in fiber (to help keep from developing heart problems and reduce cholesterol) and low on the glycemic index are perfect for women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, foods high in sugars and containing simple carbohydrates should be avoided.

Stick to a regular workout routine. Getting exercise is important to losing weight, which is the key in alleviating many of the symptoms this condition presents and balancing hormone levels. Every woman has her own physical limitations and capabilities, but as long as you maintain a challenging workout routine, no matter if it entails walking around the block or running stadiums, you will continue to see an improvement in your Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms.

Get support. The emotional stress of battling such a debilitating condition on your own can be overwhelming, but with the support of other women who have been through the same challenges, these obstacles can be overcome.

Incorporate nutritional supplements into a healthy diet. Specially formulated combinations of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals can provide the body with a nutritional boost to help with specific problems related to PCOS.

Become your own expert. Using as many possible resources as you can, such as this website, will help you to learn as much as you can about PCOS, about Insulin Resistance, and about how to deal with their symptoms.

The above five elements are what comprise the Insulite PCOS System.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and its accompanying symptoms, like sleep apnea, can be very scary to go up against. Although facing PCOS can make you feel alone, the truth is you’re not. The Insulite PCOS System was created so women could regain their health and turn their lives around. So make sure you check out the information on this website and contact us to talk to one of our experts at no obligation.

Learn more about the subject of sleep apnea and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and how it could be affecting your health visit us on the web at www.pcos.com.

Insulite Health, a Boulder, Colorado USA based company, is committed to reversing Insulin Resistance – a potentially dangerous imbalance of blood glucose and insulin. Scientific research has revealed that this disorder can be a primary cause of sleep disorders. Insulin Resistance can also underlie the increased risk factors for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as cause of excess weight gain, obesity heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health, Inc., pcos.com empowers women with PCOS to transform their lives through a process of healing with their PCOS 5-Element System – the worlds only complete solution for helping women heal from the symptoms of PCOS and hormone imbalance.

Still wondering if the symptoms you are suffering with could be PCOS? Click the link below to take the PCOS Quiz and find out!

Take The PCOS Quiz!


Next Steps

  1. Take the PCOS Quiz!  Get your score and assess your hormone health risks.
  2. Join our Facebook Sisterhood Group Pose your questions to this group of like-minded women. Get the answers to your questions and the support you need.
  3. Checkout the Hormone Reset. Guided Practices to eliminate anxiety, lose weight and boost energy.

We are committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance – a major cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health empowers women with hormone imbalance to transform their lives through a process of healing with the Natural Hormone Solution  –a complete solution for helping women reverse the symptoms hormone imbalance..