5 Bad Misconceptions to Clarify Regarding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea happens when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night. People with sleep apnea typically snore loudly and wake up feeling tired, even if they have slept for eight hours or more.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is quite a common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the back throat relax, and the airway becomes blocked. Meanwhile, central sleep apnea (CSA) is more worrying. This is because it occurs when the brain does not send signals to the muscles to breathe.

While sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that leads to other health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death, it is often misunderstood. Many people do not realize they have a problem, and it just goes undiagnosed as well. If you think you have sleep apnea, it is quite important to see a doctor for a test and diagnosis. 

Here are some bad misconceptions about sleep apnea to clarify:

1) Sleep Apnea Is Just Snoring

While snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, it is not the sole definition behind this condition, nor is it the only symptom. In fact, there are even people with sleep apnea who do not even snore. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include gasping for air during sleep, waking up frequently during the night, and feeling tired during the day.

2) Sleep Apnea Is No Big Deal

Sleep apnea is quite a serious medical condition that can have a number of consequences if left untreated, especially when dealing with CSA. These consequences can include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death. At best, it can destroy one’s quality of life. It is paramount to address the matter if you think you may have sleep apnea.

3) Sleep Apnea Is Only for Overweight People

While being overweight is a risk factor for sleep apnea, it is not the only one. Other risk factors include family history, smoking, and more. Age can also be a prominent myth since most people believe that it only affects adults and seniors. Sleep apnea can influence people no matter how much they truly weigh or how old they actually are.

4) There’s Only One Treatment for Sleep Apnea

It’s common knowledge that people who have sleep apnea may use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps keep the airway open during sleep. However, it’s become a misunderstanding that’s the only existing solution. An oral appliance is a great option for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, as well as people who do not tolerate a CPAP machine. Surgery and lifestyle changes such as losing weight and quitting smoking are also viable options that a specialist may recommend.

5) Alcoholic Drinks Help to Ease Sleep Apnea 

It’s common for people to think that alcohol can help ease sleep apnea since these drinks can increase drowsiness right before your head hits the pillow. While alcohol does tend to make people feel sleepy, it also relaxes the throat muscles. This can increase the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. Alcoholics are also more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.

Conclusion

These are just a few misconceptions about sleep apnea that should be clarified. Keep in mind that sleep apnea is a real and treatable condition, and a sleep specialist can help you find the right option for you.
Struggling with sleep apnea? Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic is passionate about helping our patients achieve better sleep, providing sleep testing and solutions. Get in touch with us today!