5 Dangerous Sleep Apnea Myths

Ancient mythology is handed down from generation to generation as a fun and exciting way to help tell the history of a culture. But while today most people don’t really believe that mermaids existed or that all the negativity in the world came out of a wooden box, there are still plenty of misconceptions about medical conditions like sleep apnea. Here are five such myths, and the important truths that could help you get a better night’s rest!

1. Snoring and Sleep Apnea are the Same Thing

While it’s true that snoring is one symptom of sleep apnea, just because you snore doesn’t mean that you have sleep apnea. Snoring is caused by vibrations in the soft tissues in your throat and airway and indicate that there could be a problem moving air out of the lungs. If you or a sleep partner does notice that you snore, look out for other symptoms of sleep apnea as well, including fatigue and daytime drowsiness.

2. Sleep Apnea Only Affects Overweight People

While sleep apnea is more common among those with a higher BMI, it does not exclusively affect overweight people. In fact, many sleep apnea patients are of a healthy weight. It can sometimes be caused by genetics and typically has more to do with the patient’s esophageal or throat construction than other factors.

3. Sleep Apnea Only Affects Men

Although sleep apnea is more common in men, it is still possible for women and children to suffer from this condition. In fact, some women develop the disorder after menopause, and according to research, about 45 percent of sleep testing is done on female patients.

4. Sleep Apnea Will Go Away on its Own

While you may think that changing your lifestyle by losing weight or quitting smoking will make your sleep apnea go away, too, the truth is that it generally does not. Worse yet, if left untreated, it can cause a variety of dangerous medical conditions, including high blood pressure, depression, and many other cardiovascular issues. It can even exacerbate symptoms related to other conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and some cancers.

5. Alcohol Helps You Sleep Better

While many people believe that alcohol will help them sleep better, studies have shown this to be false, and it can be even more dangerous if you have sleep apnea. That’s because alcohol acts as a depressant, preventing you from reaching REM sleep, which is the most important and restorative stage of the cycle. Furthermore, because it is a muscle relaxer, it can loosen the soft palate in your airway, making it harder to take in air and worsening your sleep apnea episodes.

Remember, while myths can be a fun way to share history, when it comes to protecting yourself from sleep apnea, they can be downright dangerous. Don’t let these five misconceptions prevent you from getting the rest you need. Speak to your sleep dentist today about treatment with oral appliance therapy and get the relief you deserve.

About Dr. Held

If you’re suffering from sleep apnea symptoms near Flagstaff, you probably are tired of wondering why you can get the restorative rest you deserve. The great news is that at Sleep Better Southwest, Dr. Jonathan Held is here to help patients near Kingman with a more comfortable solution: oral appliance therapy. To learn more about these comfortable, convenient devices and finally get the good night’s sleep you’ve been missing, schedule a consultation with us near Prescott Valley today by visiting our website or calling 928-404-0332.