Lifestyle
DR MICHAEL MOSLEY: The hidden sleep disorder that can make women feel tired all day
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Are you tired all the time? Do you struggle to stay awake in the afternoon and frequently fall asleep watching TV? Has your sex life dried up?
If so, you may be suffering from a commonly undiagnosed disorder called sleep apnoea. It’s estimated that at least ten million people in the UK have sleep apnoea, but fewer than 15 per cent of those affected know they have it, let alone get treated. And the people who are least likely to get treatment are women.
People with sleep apnoea repeatedly stop breathing (it can be for a few seconds or more than a minute) during the night.
That not only disrupts sleep but over time leads to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It also reduces the production of sex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone, although why is not clear, and decreases sex drive.
I’ve always associated sleep apnoea with overweight men who snore, and they are certainly at risk, mainly because excess fat around the neck puts pressure on the upper airway during sleep.
But as I’ve discovered, while making a new series on sleep, it affects all ages — and is very common in women (according to a Swedish study, 20 per cent of women have moderate to severe sleep apnoea and 90 per cent of those don’t know they have it).
The main form of sleep apnoea, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), typically happens when your tongue falls back, partially blocking your airway — a loud, snoring sound occurs as air vibrates against the soft tissue as it’s forced past the obstruction.
When it becomes more severe, that blockage means you stop breathing, which wakes you up so that you can shift, perhaps from lying on your back to lying on your side, to clear the blockage.
R egularly cutting off your oxygen supply and constantly waking can be harmful to your brain and to your body. It is a major cause of severely raised blood pressure, which leads to strokes, as well as tiredness and irritability.
It can even kill you. The actress Carrie Fisher, famous as Princess Leia in Star Wars, died from a heart attack at the age of 60 while on a plane. The coroner said that the main contributory factors were untreated sleep apnoea and a build-up of fatty tissue on the walls of her arteries. Men often get diagnosed because their partner notices the snoring, the regular halts in breathing and gasping or snorting noises.
Unfortunately, men don’t seem to recognise when the same thing happens to women, so women don’t get dragged along to the doctor anything like as much.
Women also tend to have slightly different symptoms — so when they do go to the doctor they commonly report fatigue, headaches or having restless legs, for example, which their GP may not immediately recognise as being linked to sleep apnoea. Why women are more prone to these symptoms is unclear, but one theory is that they tend to have different sleep cycles and this leads to fewer but more severe apnoeas (wakings).
Sleep apnoea gets worse after the menopause and this is partly because women are then prone to weight gain, but also because of the drop in the hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, which strengthen the upper airway and stop it collapsing.
A Norwegian study, published last year in PLOS One, found that women with lower levels of these hormones were much more likely to snore and have sleep apnoea.
But if you are referred for tests and it turns out that you have OSA, you have a number of options. Losing weight is a good place to start. Although slim people can develop OSA, it is more common in overweight people.
For a study in Finland, a group of overweight or obese people with OSA were put on a rapid weight-loss diet (800 calories a day for up to 12 weeks; similar to my Fast 800 programme). They lost an average of 10.7 kg, and this cured more than half of them of OSA. Even if they lost and kept off just 3 kg, their chance of curing their OSA was still 38 per cent.
Another option is buying a device that keeps you sleeping on your side, rather than your back. I’ve seen one you wear around your neck while you sleep, which gives you a little buzz when it detects you lying on your back, prompting you to move. Sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pyjamas would have a similar effect. I know people who swear by this.
There’s also something called a mandibular advancement device (MAD), which you normally get from a dentist, that’s a bit like a sophisticated mouthguard. When you put it in at night it brings your lower jaw (and tongue) forward, keeping your airway clear.
If you have severe sleep apnoea, you may be prescribed a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. It sits by your bed and pumps air into a mask covering your nose and mouth while you sleep. The pressure of the air keeps your throat open so you don’t stop breathing.
It can be a lifesaver but it does have downsides. You have to wear a mask in bed every night, and looking like Darth Vader can also be a bit of a passion killer.
If nothing else works there is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty — an operation to burn or cut away tissue in your throat to try to clear the obstruction. This has risks, recovery is painful and it is not always effective.
There is, however, other hope on the horizon. In a study published last December in the journal Chest, researchers tested a nasal spray containing a drug designed to prevent the collapse of the upper airway during sleep.
They found it to be far more effective at keeping patients’ airways open compared with a placebo.
The next step is bigger trials but it is an exciting possibility for the millions who are suffering with sleep apnoea — albeit not in silence.
In a stunning turn of events at the 97th Academy Awards, the low-budget comedy-drama “Anora” swept the ceremony, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Adrien Brody clinched Best Actor for his role in “The Brutalist,” marking his second win in this category.
Anora’s Remarkable Triumph
Directed by Sean Baker, “Anora” tells the story of a sex worker who marries a wealthy Russian playboy. Despite its modest budget, the film captivated audiences and critics alike, leading to its impressive haul at the Oscars. Baker himself matched a historic record by winning four Oscars in one night—Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing—a feat previously achieved only by Walt Disney in 1954.
Mikey Madison’s portrayal of the titular character earned her the Best Actress award, surpassing seasoned nominees such as Demi Moore, who was favored for her role in “The Substance.”
Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win
Adrien Brody’s performance as architect László Tóth in “The Brutalist” garnered him the Best Actor award, adding a second Oscar to his accolades. His portrayal of the troubled architect resonated with the Academy, solidifying his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Other Notable Wins
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” and Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain.” Additionally, Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design for his work on “Wicked.”
Conclusion
The 2025 Oscars highlighted the power of storytelling, with “Anora” leading the charge. The film’s success underscores the industry’s growing recognition of diverse narratives and the talents that bring them to life.thetimes.co.uk
Featured
From $27 Paycheck to Purpose: How Anthony Potter Jr. is Transforming Lives Through Financial Literacy and Personal Growth
In a world where financial struggles often feel inescapable, Anthony Potter Jr. stands as a beacon of hope, proving that transformation is possible no matter where you start. From earning a mere $27 paycheck to becoming a successful financial professional, speaker, and author, his journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, mindset shifts, and the power of purpose.
Now, with his latest book, From $27 Paycheck to Purpose: 7 Steps to Transform Your Struggles into Strength, Anthony is on a mission to empower individuals with the tools they need to break free from financial uncertainty, master personal growth, and build a life of meaning and impact.
From Rock Bottom to Reinvention
Anthony’s story is one of perseverance. Raised in Lithonia, Georgia, he began his career as a pharmacy technician, but life had bigger plans. A near-fatal car crash became the turning point that ignited his commitment to personal development and financial literacy. Determined to create a better future, he immersed himself in the world of wealth creation, life insurance solutions, and financial education—ultimately transitioning into a career that would allow him to uplift others.
Through his experiences, Anthony realized that financial empowerment isn’t just about making money—it’s about shifting your mindset, investing in yourself, and building long-term security. This philosophy became the foundation of his book.
A Blueprint for Transformation
From $27 Paycheck to Purpose isn’t just another motivational read—it’s a step-by-step guide to turning life’s challenges into fuel for success. Anthony walks readers through a structured seven-step framework that covers:
- Personal Growth: Overcoming self-doubt and embracing self-improvement.
- Mindset Shifts: Viewing setbacks as lessons that pave the way for success.
- Financial Literacy: Building a solid financial foundation to create wealth and security.
- Investing in Yourself: Recognizing that self-education and skill-building are the keys to long-term success.
- Discovering Purpose: Aligning passion with impact to create a meaningful legacy.
Through raw storytelling and actionable strategies, Anthony gives readers the roadmap to not only survive but thrive—turning financial struggles and personal hardships into powerful stepping stones.
Beyond the Book: A Mission to Empower
Anthony’s influence extends far beyond the pages of his book. As a captivating speaker, he engages audiences across the country with his powerful insights on financial success and personal growth. His workshops, coaching, and wealth-building strategies help individuals break free from paycheck-to-paycheck living and step into financial freedom.
But his impact doesn’t stop at financial education. Anthony believes that true transformation comes from within. By fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and an unstoppable mindset, he helps people achieve not just financial security, but also a purpose-driven life.
Join the Movement
With From $27 Paycheck to Purpose, Anthony Potter Jr. is leading a new wave of financial empowerment and personal reinvention. Whether you’re struggling with money, searching for direction, or simply ready to elevate your life, this book provides the tools you need to make it happen.
Are you ready to turn your struggles into strength?
Get your copy today and start your transformation!
www.AnthonyPotterJr.com
All Social – @AnthonyPotterJr
Sean Combs, known as Puff Daddy, once stood at the pinnacle of fame, wealth, and influence. A mogul in music, fashion, and business, he built an empire that inspired millions. His name was synonymous with success, luxury, and power. But beneath the glitz, there was a side of him that quietly eroded everything he had worked for—his insatiable lust for sex.
At first, it seemed like another perk of fame. The parties, the women, the excess—it was part of the lifestyle. But over time, what was once a manageable indulgence turned into an overwhelming vice. His relationships became more transactional, shallow, and his personal life spiraled into a series of scandals, accusations, and costly legal battles. Slowly, cracks began to show in his empire. Contracts were lost, deals fell through, and his image became tainted.
While Puff Daddy’s financial empire crumbled, he wasn’t the first to lose everything to vices. For some, it’s gambling. For others, it’s drugs or alcohol. Whatever the poison, the pattern is the same: a slow unraveling of what was once a life of promise. The lesson here is simple—no matter how high you rise, unchecked vices can pull you back down, destroying careers, families, and fortunes.
Puff Daddy’s story, though dramatic, is a cautionary tale for everyone. We all have weaknesses. It’s how we handle them that determines whether we build legacies or leave behind wreckage.
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