Sleep apnea is a common affliction that often goes undiagnosed. Why? Because many people just do not understand it. There are LOTS of misconceptions surrounding sleep apnea and how it should be handled. Today, we would like to offer up five facts that you may not know about sleep apnea.

Remember, the team at Edgewood Dental Care would be delighted to help you combat your sleep apnea. If you or your loved one snores heavily or is otherwise exhibiting signs of sleep apnea (fatigue, waking during sleep, insomnia, depression, among others), please contact our Edgewood, KY dental office. We are here for you!

So, without further ado, let’s talk about five things that you may have not understood about sleep apnea:

#1: Anyone can develop sleep apnea.
Yes, we typically think of people with sleep apnea as grandfathers or uncles who snore loudly after Sunday dinner. In truth, ANYONE can develop sleep apnea. While there are definitely certain risk factors that put you at a greater likelihood for developing it, it can be found in men and women of all ages. Let’s talk about the risk factors, but please keep in mind that no one certain age or gender is exempt.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include:

  • obesity
  • smoking
  • drinking
  • age (being older)
  • gender (being male)
  • neck circumference
  • hereditary factors

#2: Lots of people have it, but don’t know it.
Sleep apnea is a sneaky affliction because so many people think snoring is completely normal! Well, we are here to tell you that it isn’t. While snoring is commonly, only light or occasional snoring may not be causing any problems. Loud or very regular snoring may be sign that you have a problem. At best, it could be disrupting your or your partner’s quality of sleep. At worst, it could be a sign of severe sleep apnea. Our recommendation is to get checked out to rule out sleep apnea if you are a loud or regular snorer. Our team would be happy to help you with that.

#3: Sleep apnea can be a life-threatening problem.
Another thing about sleep apnea that many people don’t know is that it can actually be life-threatening! Sleep apnea causes the sufferer to cease breathing during sleep. This oxygen deprivation can lead to lack of quality sleep, daytime fatigue, and high blood pressure. It can also be linked to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stroke, organ disfunction, and heart failure.

Allowing your sleep apnea to go untreated can cause major health problems down the road. Please contact our team if you think you or your loved one may have sleep apnea.

#4: Sleep apnea can disguise itself as something else.
Did you know that sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because it can be mistaken for other problems? Sleep apnea can disguise itself as benign snoring, unrelated insomnia, depression, and more. If you are having any trouble getting good quality sleep, please see a health care professional even if you think it is unrelated to sleep apnea.

#5: It CAN be treated. 
Another common myth is that there is nothing you can do about sleep apnea! This is simply false. Our team can help manage your condition with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or an oral appliance. Even if you have tried a CPAP machine in the past and it didn’t work for you, you do not have to continue to suffer. We offer non-CPAP options as well as advice on reducing your risk factors.

Make An Appointment
Are you worried that you may have sleep apnea? Get the help you need right away. Don’t let misconceptions keep you from living a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to helping you manage your condition, sleep better, and live healthier. Give us a call at 859-474-7830 or use our online form to shoot us a message.