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4 Common Sleep Apnea Myths Debunked
Sleep apnea is a disorder where breathing is interrupted during sleep. However, despite the prevalence of sleep apnea, some individuals are still in the dark about the condition. The misinformation is primarily due to the numerous myths about this sleep disorder.
Read on to learn about some common sleep apnea myths to help you better understand the condition.
Sleep Apnea Is Only an Adult Problem
The belief that sleep apnea cannot develop in babies is untrue. Anyone can develop this sleep disorder, regardless of age.
Babies are primarily at risk of sleep apnea if born prematurely. But other factors such as narrow airways, secondhand smoke exposure, and viral infections can put babies at risk of sleep apnea. Children can also develop this condition if they have gastroesophageal reflux or GERD.
If your infant or toddler snores, breathes primarily with their mouth, or has difficulty swallowing, sleep apnea may be the root of these issues. Let a pediatrician know these signs and symptoms so they can conduct a sleep study to potentially diagnose sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Is Only Caused by Obesity
Although obesity or being overweight is among the risk factors for sleep apnea, this condition can also affect thin people. Other risks that can contribute to sleep apnea include:
- Being male
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Smoking tobacco
- Alcohol use
If you have any of these risk factors and are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
If You Snore, You Have Sleep Apnea
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have the disorder. You could be a chronic snorer without having sleep apnea.
On the other hand, not all people with sleep apnea snore. Some people with this condition make choking or gasping noises when they sleep.
Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Waking up feeling out of breath at night
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor to find out more. Just because you snore, that doesn’t mean you automatically have sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Won’t Affect Your Health
Some individuals assume that sleep apnea only disrupts their sleep, and that’s all. However, sleep apnea can have far-reaching effects on your health if left untreated.
For instance, individuals with sleep apnea are at a high risk of high blood pressure. The reason is that when your breathing is interrupted at night, your blood oxygen levels dip. Low blood oxygen levels strain your heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure. Sleep apnea can also lead to other severe health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and depression.
In the same way, sleep apnea may affect your mental health. For example, you may develop depression due to insufficient sleep. Sleep apnea could also cause memory loss due to the impaired oxygen supply to the brain.
If you have sleep apnea, don’t wait to get treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the lower your risk of developing these serious health complications.
While numerous treatment options for sleep apnea exist, CPAP machines have proven their efficiency in treating this sleep disorder. The device works by providing a steady and continuous flow of air to the sleeper through a mask.
Corner Home Medical is your trusted provider for CPAP machines to help you treat sleep apnea. We also have a wide range of CPAP masks and other accessories. Visit our website or contact us for more information.