6th Edition of World Nursing Science Conference 2026

Abstract

Menopause marks a significant biological and psychosocial transition in a woman’s life. When coupled with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder often underdiagnosed and misattributed in women, this period can profoundly alter one’s sense of self, body, and daily functioning. Despite growing recognition of gender differences in OSA, little is known about how menopausal women experience living with this condition. This study explored the lived experiences of menopausal women diagnosed with OSA to gain a deeper understanding of how this dual experience shapes embodiment, identity, and quality of life. An existential phenomenological approach, grounded in Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy of the lived body, was used to explore how menopausal women perceive and make meaning of their experiences with OSA.
Eight themes and one subtheme emerged: (1) The Disrupted World, (2) Tired and Fatigued, (3) Brain Fog/Cognitive Impairment, (4) The Storm of Menopause, (5) The OSA Body, (6) Menopause Meets CPAP, (7) Through the Lens of Others, (7a) Living with Provider Misunderstanding, and (8) Living in the Broken Rhythms of Time. A central theme, Weathering an Ongoing Storm, captured participants’ experiences. Women described how living with OSA during menopause affected their bodies, relationships, daily activities, and perceptions of time.
Findings provide insight into the embodied, relational, and temporal disruptions experienced by menopausal women living with OSA. Failure to recognize the intersection of menopausal transition and OSA may contribute to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and increased burden. Integrative, gender-responsive approaches to screening, diagnosis, and patient-centered care are needed.