It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Given how common this condition is, it’s surprising that there are still so many popular misconceptions about it. Let’s set the record straight. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five sleep apnea myths and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Sleep Apnea and Snoring Are the Same Thing
Snoring is the sound that results when air moves past the tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate. Snoring by itself doesn’t always indicate a medical problem, but in many cases, it is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing, called apneas, throughout the night. The apneas occur when the same tissues that vibrate during snoring overrelax and block the airway altogether.
Myth #2: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Overweight People
Excess weight, particularly when it is accompanied by a large neck circumference, is a major risk factor for OSA. However, there are quite a few overweight people who have no breathing problems at all, and there are many individuals with a normal BMI who do suffer from OSA. This condition can affect anyone, including athletes, children, men, and women.
Myth #3: Sleep Apnea Isn’t a Big Deal
At a glance, it might seem like sleep apnea is just an annoyance because of the snoring and tiredness it causes. In reality, though, it poses some significant health risks. Various studies have found a correlation between OSA and several serious problems, including type 2 diabetes, unwanted weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
It can also have devastating consequences on daily life. For example, it can lead to irritability, decreased productivity at work, and a decline in libido.
Myth #4: CPAP Therapy Is the Only Way to Treat Sleep Apnea
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine to gently force air into the throat, preventing apneas. While CPAP therapy is highly effective, and it remains a popular OSA treatment, it isn’t the only option for OSA sufferers. Many patients find that a custom oral appliance from a dentist is more comfortable than a CPAP machine. Such an appliance gently repositions the jaw to keep the airway open and facilitate unobstructed breathing.
Myth #5: Alcohol Can Help You Sleep Better
People with OSA might think that a nightcap can help them sleep better and wake more rested, but the opposite is true. Alcohol relaxes muscles through the body, including the muscles in the throat that are responsible for causing apneas. It’s best for people with OSA to avoid alcohol during the last few hours before bedtime.
Don’t let common ideas about sleep apnea fool you! With a bit of research, you can arm yourself with all the information you need to understand this condition.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Kristopher R. Harth and Eric L. Townsend lead the team at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry. They are trained to help patients recognize and address sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, they would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our practice at 904-285-7711.