Snoring vs Sleep Apnea: What Women Should Know

Snoring? Jaw tension? Waking up exhausted even after a full night in bed?

Most women are told these are just part of getting older or something to “push through.” But what if the real issue isn’t just hormones, it’s your airway?

In this episode, Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with integrative dentist Dr. Martina Lavery to unpack a piece of the midlife health puzzle that’s often missed: the role your mouth, jaw, and breathing play in sleep quality.

Because for many women in perimenopause and menopause, sleep disruption like night sweats or stress. It’s structural, it’s physiological and it’s often diagnosable.

Here’s what else you’ll learn:

- Why snoring often shows up or worsens in midlife

- How hormonal changes affect your airway and breathing

- The difference between snoring and sleep apnea

- Why so many women feel embarrassed talking about snoring

- What actually helps, from sleep studies to dental devices

- Why CPAP is not the only option

- How jaw position impacts your ability to breathe at night

- The signs your dentist might notice before you do

- The truth about trends like mouth taping

This conversation connects the dots between snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, jaw tension, and oral health. So you can stop guessing and start addressing the root cause.

Learn more about the 16 week Rediscover You program here:🔗https://youbydrshaunawatts.com.au/16-week-rediscover-you-menopause-program/

Leave a Voice Note

Have a question about perimenopause, brain fog, anxiety, or midlife confidence? Leave a 45-second voice note via our website below. Your question may be featured in a future episode.🔗https://www.allaboutyoupod.com

Follow Dr. Martina Lavery on socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martina.lavery.96/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_martina_lavery/

Website: https://plusaesthetics.com.au/pages/martina-lavery

Website: https://martinadental.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-lavery-36926a142/

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Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:

Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247

Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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Chapters

00:22 - What Changes in Midlife Sleep

01:15 - Why Snoring Gets Worse in Menopause

02:24 - How Your Airway Affects Sleep Quality

03:01 - Snoring vs Sleep Apnea Explained

04:03 - Why You Should Get a Sleep Study

05:09 - CPAP Machines and Why People Avoid Them

06:07 - Do Dental Devices Actually Work for Snoring

07:35 - Risks of Jaw Splints You Should Know

09:05 - Mouth Taping Helpful or Just a Trend

12:09 - Why Your Lips and Mouth Change with Age

16:30 - Signs Your Dentist Can See in Your Mouth

20:16 - How Your Smile Impacts Confidence and Life

Keywords

perimenopause

sleep problems

menopause snoring

why am I snoring more

sleep apnea symptoms women

oral health and sleep

jaw clenching

menopause

teeth grinding at night women

mandibular splint sleep

CPAP alternatives

Shauna Watts

Martina Lavery