Did you know that many researchers estimate that around 80% of sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed? This can be partially attributed to the fact that many people have several misconceptions about this disorder, which may stop them from seeking the care they need. If you want to protect yourself from sleep-disordered breathing, it’s worth making sure that you know the truth behind the following 5 sleep apnea myths.
Myth 1: Only Overweight People Experience Sleep Apnea
People who are overweight or obese tend to have a significantly higher risk of developing sleep apnea. However, even if you’re of average weight, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re safe from sleep-disordered breathing. The truth is that sleep apnea can affect anyone, and your chances of having it can be influenced by various factors besides weight, such as the circumference of your neck.
Myth 2: Sleep Apnea Only Occurs in Men
The simple fact of the matter is that both men and women can have sleep apnea. Men tend to be diagnosed with the disorder more often, but that doesn’t change the fact that women can have it as well. It’s worth noting that sleep apnea often presents differently in women; men often experience loud snoring while women may have less obvious symptoms such as depression and insomnia.
Myth 3: Everyone Who Snores Has Sleep Apnea
Snoring is considered one of the major warning signs of sleep apnea. However, it’s important to recognize that the two aren’t exactly the same thing. Even if you snore, it’s not always a sign that sleep apnea is present. That’s why it’s important to be aware of other possible symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. If your snoring is accompanied by significant drowsiness during the day or notable pauses in your breathing while you’re asleep, there’s a good chance that you might have sleep apnea, and you should undergo a sleep test as soon as you can.
Myth 4: Sleep Apnea Is Not a Serious Problem
Some people choose not to pursue sleep apnea treatment because they don’t believe that the disorder is a serious issue. The truth is that ignoring sleep apnea can have dire consequences. It can leave you feeling exhausted during the day, which can make you more likely to get in an accident while driving or operating heavy machinery. On top of that, the frequent pauses in your breathing can take a heavy toll on your overall health. Individuals with sleep apnea tend to be more likely to suffer from life-threatening heart problems.
Myth 5: Sleep Apnea Can Only Be Treated with a CPAP Machine
It’s true that using a CPAP machine is the traditional way to treat sleep apnea. However, if you’re looking for a quieter, more comfortable alternative, you can ask your dentist about getting an oral appliance. Wearing an oral appliance at night can help keep your airway open and reduce the chances of your breathing being interrupted, thus making it easier to get a good night’s sleep.
The more you understand about sleep apnea, the better prepared you’ll be to get it under control if you ever develop it. Having the disorder properly diagnosed and treated as promptly as possible could make all the difference for your health and your quality of life.
About the Practice
At Voller Dentistry, our team is committed to helping patients in Kittanning achieve better overall health through personalized dental care. Led by Dr. Ray Voller, we take the time to educate patients and provide effective solutions for their oral health issues. On top of that, we offer personalized oral appliances for treating sleep apnea. If you’re looking for a way to get your sleep-disordered breathing under control, our team is here to help; call us at (724) 543-4948 or visit our website today to schedule an appointment.