Gender differences in the psychosocial and functional impact of obstructive sleep apnea: findings from the SHINE patient survey

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide and is associated with significant cardiometabolic, neurocognitive, and psychosocial consequences. Gender differences in symptom presentation may contribute to underdiagnosis and unmet needs, particularly among women. This study aimed to assess gender-specific differences in the psychosocial burden of OSA using the Sleep Health Inquiries on Needs and Emotions (SHINE) survey. METHODS: The SHINE survey was conducted in 2024 among 1,500 U.S. adults with self-reported OSA. Participants completed validated items across five domains: work productivity, daily non-work activities, OSA symptoms, relationships, and negative feelings. Gender differences were examined using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable generalized linear models adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and OSA severity. RESULTS: Respondents included 755 men (50.3%) and 745 women (49.7%). Women were younger, had higher rates of psychological comorbidities (e.g., anxiety: 64.6% vs. 43.2%, p