The experiences of obstructive sleep apnea in women

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially lethal respiratory sleep disorder. However, few studies have studied OSA women. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to explore the life experiences of women with OSA. Method: A qualitative study using the grounded theory method was used to establish a descriptive theory. Results: The results were expressed in terms of three stages with related categories. Stage 1: No interest days due to poor sleep, including "uncontrollable sleep", "perceived health deteriorates", and "poor female image harmed by snoring"; Stage 2: Indecision and disappointments during treatment seeking, including "doctor shopping", "being urged by others to seek medical help", and "being shocked by the severity of disease"; and Stage 3: Accepting a new lifestyle with a continuous positive pressure respirator, including "adaptation of the new sleep", "adequate sleep", and "secret worry of being an OSA woman". Conclusions: Based on the findings of the present study, medical knowledge and treatments related to OSA should be widely promoted with appropriate professional education and counseling services in order to enhance the awareness of patients and to facilitate their acceptance of the healing process using a continuous positive airway pressure respirator.