I’m a fit woman over 60 with sleep apnea—and that diagnosis genuinely surprised me. I’ve always made my health a top priority. As a personal trainer, coach, and wellness advocate in my 60s, I live an active, fit lifestyle.
What surprised me even more was how common sleep apnea is—and how little we talk about it, especially among active, healthy women like me. It was the wake-up call I didn’t expect.
Sleep apnea? That’s something I thought only affected overweight people, not healthy, energetic women.
But I was wrong—and I’m sharing my story so others like me can recognize the signs, seek help, and sleep (and live) better.
How I Discovered My Sleep Apnea
It started with my husband noticing something odd. He told me I would hold my breath at night—sometimes long enough that he had to nudge me so I’d start breathing again. I had no idea this was happening.
But I did notice other signs:
- I was always tired in the morning, even after what should have been a full night’s sleep.
- I would doze off during movies, sometimes embarrassingly early in the evening.
- I felt more sluggish and less sharp than usual.
At first, I chalked it up to aging or a busy schedule. But something didn’t feel right, so I brought it up at a routine doctor’s visit. My doctor recommended an at-home sleep study, which came back showing moderate sleep apnea.
To confirm, I underwent a sleep lab study, where they monitored my breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep stages overnight. The results were clear—I had sleep apnea, and I needed to begin CPAP therapy.
Adjusting to Life with a CPAP Machine
Being told you need to wear a machine to sleep can be overwhelming. I had the same reaction—how would I ever get used to this? But I also knew that untreated sleep apnea could seriously affect my heart, brain, metabolism, and overall quality of life.
I started with a nasal pillow-style CPAP mask, which is smaller and less intrusive than a full face mask. The first few nights were strange, but I gradually adjusted.
And here’s the truth: once I got used to it, I slept better than I had in years. I now:
- Sleep through the night
- Wake up feeling refreshed and alert
- Have more energy for workouts, work, and life
It’s been over two years since I began CPAP treatment, and it’s made a major difference in my health and daily functioning.
What Is Sleep Apnea—and Why It Affects Older Adults
Sleep apnea is a condition where the airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. These pauses reduce oxygen flow to the brain and body, often without the person realizing it.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While weight can be a contributing factor, it is not the only cause—and definitely not a requirement.
Sleep Apnea Affects More Than Just Overweight People
There’s a dangerous myth that only overweight or inactive people get sleep apnea. In truth:
- Postmenopausal women are increasingly diagnosed due to hormonal changes
- Muscle tone in the throat and airway weakens with age, regardless of fitness level
- Fat distribution shifts as we age, even without weight gain, which can affect the airway
- Sleep apnea can occur in people of all sizes and activity levels
If you’re over 50 and experiencing sleep disturbances or unexplained fatigue, sleep apnea is something worth exploring—even if you’re otherwise healthy and active.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Many people go undiagnosed because they dismiss the symptoms or don’t recognize them as part of a sleep disorder. Here are some signs to pay attention to:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
- Morning headaches
- Persistent daytime fatigue
- Falling asleep during quiet activities, like reading or watching TV
- Poor memory or concentration
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Increased nighttime trips to the bathroom
These symptoms are not just an inconvenience. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Sleep Is a Foundation of Healthy Aging
As a coach, I spend a lot of time helping people focus on fitness, nutrition, and mindset—but sleep is the silent powerhouse behind all of it. If you’re not sleeping well, your body can’t recover, your hormones can become imbalanced, and your mental clarity can suffer.
I’ve always believed in taking charge of your health, and getting treatment for sleep apnea was another step in doing exactly that.
Aging well doesn’t mean pretending nothing changes—it means staying informed and proactive, even when it’s uncomfortable or surprising.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Signs
If you’re experiencing poor sleep, unexplained fatigue, or your partner notices unusual breathing at night, talk to your doctor. A home sleep study is simple and can provide important answers.
Sleep apnea isn’t a character flaw or a failure of fitness—it’s a medical condition. And it’s treatable.
If sharing my story helps one more person get the help they need, then it’s worth it. We’re all aging—let’s do it as strong, smart, and supported as possible.
Want More Tips for Thriving Over 50?
This post is part of a larger series focused on living well as we age—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In future posts, I’ll be sharing more on:
- What to do now to age better after 50
- My favorite exercises for sleep and stress relief
- How to build a realistic wellness routine in your 60s
- How hormones affect women’s sleep and energy levels
- Creating a nighttime routine that supports deep, restorative sleep
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As a personal trainer and coach for over 30 years, I share videos and posts specific to the importance of aging well through proper fitness and nutrition on my Instagram page. I look forward to having you as a follower.
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