3 Sleep Apnea Misconceptions

Sleep is an important part of your health and wellness. Unfortunately, many struggle to get the restful night's sleep they need for various reasons. Sleep apnea, for instance, is one sleep disorder that affects your actual ability to sleep, but it can also negatively affect your quality of life. With this guide, you will learn the truth about a few common misconceptions regarding sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Is Rare

One of the most common misconceptions people believe is that sleep apnea is a rare disorder. While surprising to learn, a large portion of adults and children are affected by sleep apnea.

Recent reports have shown that an estimated 18 million adults in America have sleep apnea. Plus, many children suffer from the disorder.

It may also be shocking to learn that there are even more adults and children who have sleep apnea but haven't been diagnosed yet. Therefore, proper understanding of the disorder is key for effective diagnosis and efficient treatment.

If You Snore, You Have Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but that does not mean all people who snore have the disorder.

Basically, snoring occurs when the soft tissues of the throat and airway vibrate as air moves in and out of the body. In reality, anyone can snore while sleeping, especially if you have a sinus or throat problem.

Because snoring is a main symptom of sleep apnea, you should talk to your doctor if you snore frequently. Knowing the other symptoms of the disorder is essential, too.

If you are waking up constantly during your sleep or seem to be gasping for air while asleep, you most likely have sleep apnea. Other symptoms of the disorder include daytime fatigue and drowsiness, irritability, and even a sore throat or dry sinuses.

Sleep Apnea Isn't a Big Deal

One of the most common and most dangerous misconceptions people believe is that sleep apnea is not a big concern. Unfortunately, without diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, it can lead to serious health problems.

Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues because breathing lapses decrease blood oxygen levels. Continuous decreases in blood oxygen levels can be life-threatening if you have heart disease.

Diabetes and liver problems are also common in patients who have undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea disorder.

A sleep study can help determine if you have sleep apnea and which type of treatment is best for your specific case. Be sure to talk to sleep apnea doctors immediately if you or a loved one is showing signs of sleep apnea.


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