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Having a good night’s sleep is essential for sound health and it becomes complicated when you suffer from sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea. It is a condition where a person’s breathing is constantly interrupted and started again many times over a night due to blocked or obstructed airways. Sleep apnea can be a serious health problem and it can lead to many complications. There are many myths about sleep apnea that create uncertainty and confusion among many people.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Try breathing normally with a straw obstructed in your mouth. This is precisely the struggle an individual with sleep apnea faces every night. The airway becomes obstructed because the muscles in a person’s throat relax and cave in. This results in loud snoring, waking up with choking or gasping, and the frequent interruptions of breathing. These pauses in breathing typically last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Myth 1: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Men

This is one of the most common myths of sleep apnea. Although studies suggest that men are more likely to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, women are still equally at risk. The reason for this is not clear, but it can be linked to hormones and body structure in women as they age. Women experiencing sleep apnea can be prone to experience fatigue and feel excessive drowsiness during the day.

Myth 2: Snoring Is a Completely Normal Part of Sleep Apnea

While it is true that snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, it is not completely normal. Snoring is a breathing pattern that is caused by the vibrations of the throat tissues and muscles when air passes through during sleep. This can be very loud and disruptive. Snoring becomes a major concern when it is accompanied by frequent breathing pauses lasting a few seconds to minutes. Snoring in combination with fatigue and excessive daytime drowsiness reflects a more severe problem associated with sleep apnea.

Myth 3: Only Overweight People Suffer From Sleep Apnea

While it is true that being overweight is a major risk factor for sleep apnea, it is not the only one. In fact, thin people can also develop sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is associated with the accumulation of fat in different areas of the body including the upper body, throat, and neck area. When fat deposits are present near a person’s upper airway, the airway becomes obstructed more easily. However, other risk factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle can also play a key role in the development of sleep apnea.

Myth 4: Snoring is the Only Symptom of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is only one of the symptoms of sleep apnea, although it is the most common and recognizable. Other symptoms include suffering from chronic or long-term fatigue or having excessive daytime sleepiness to the extent that it affects a person’s tasks and activities. Other symptoms that can indicate an individual has sleep apnea include dry mouth or a sore throat when getting up in the morning, morning headaches, and memory or concentration issues.

Myth 5: If You Cannot Fall Asleep, You Do Not Have Sleep Apnea

Many people think that if they have trouble falling asleep, it means they do not have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects people in different ways and some people affected may find it hard to fall asleep. Having a hard time falling asleep is a common symptom and can be a sign of other different sleep problems. It is important to visit a healthcare professional to receive the proper diagnosis.

Treating Sleep Apnea is a Difficult and Unpleasant Process

The good news is that many different treatments are available for treating sleep apnea. Often lifestyle changes or using a device called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device can greatly help in reducing symptoms. The effectiveness of treatment can depend on how severe the sleep apnea is and how diligently the patient reports symptoms and wears the device as prescribed. In addition, surgeries may be recommended when a person does not respond to other treatments.

The most important thing is not to ignore the symptoms. Suffering from untreated sleep apnea can result in long-term complications such as the development of other health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. By getting an early diagnosis and seeking appropriate treatment, you can improve the quality of your sleep and overall health.

There are many myths surrounding sleep apnea and it is important to get the right information to understand what this condition is. For the highest quality of information on sleep apnea and its proper treatment, it is best to consult a healthcare professional who can help you understand the underlying issues associated with the condition.