Every night, millions of people miss out on countless hours of sleep because of sleep apnea; and even worse, many more cases go completely undiagnosed! And sadly, there are also many myths floating around out there that deter people from seeking the treatment they need. But sleep apnea is serious and can lead to many severe health complications if left untreated. That said, keep reading to learn more as we bust four of the most common myths about sleep apnea so that you can be more informed and in a better position to improve the quality of your sleep.
Myth #1: Sleep Apnea Is Just a Fancy Term for Snoring
While it’s true that snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, and both are caused by a narrowed or blocked airway, there is a large difference between the two. People with sleep apnea can actually stop breathing up to 400 times throughout the night, with these pauses lasting between 10 and 30 seconds, usually followed by a loud snort when breathing starts again. This breaks your sleep cycle and leaves you tired and groggy during the day. It’s also possible to snore on a regular basis and not have sleep apnea, though either way it’s generally a good idea to seek a sleep test if you’re concerned about your sleep disruption.
Myth #2: Only Older People Are Affected by Sleep Apnea
Even though doctors estimate that around 22 – 25 million Americans have sleep apnea, there’s still a common misconception that it only affects old people. While it is more common after the age of 40, it can actually affect people of all ages. You’re much more likely to have the condition if you’re overweight or male, but there are also many other factors at work and virtually anyone is susceptible to the condition.
Myth #3: Alcohol Will Help
There are those who turn towards alcohol to combat sleep apnea and achieve a good night’s rest, but multiple studies have found that alcohol is actually detrimental to sleep. Indulging in a nightcap before bedtime can inhibit your brain’s ability to enter REM (rapid-eye-movement) sleep, which is the most important stage of the sleep cycle. It can also relax the muscles in the soft pallet, which can further complicate sleep apnea.
Myth #4: It’s Not a Huge Deal
Sleep is very important; it’s a vital function that allows your body to repair and heal itself, and if your body isn’t getting enough of it, problems will arise. That said, sleep apnea is a pretty big deal and prolonging seeking treatment will only increase your chance of developing a serious health condition such as depression, hypertension, memory loss, cardiac issues, and even diabetes.
Don’t let any of these myths misinform you; sleep apnea isn’t something that should be ignored, and if you or a loved one is suffering from it, seeking treatment quickly is your best move.
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres is honored to serve patients and families in the Rockville, MD area. Dr. Modarres received his dental doctorate from the New York University School of Dentistry and is a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including sleep apnea therapy. If you have any questions or concerns about sleep apnea or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice’s website or give them a call at (301) 816-9400.