Have you noticed lately that you feel more exhausted when your alarm clock goes off in the morning than you did when you zonked out the night before? Or have you developed headaches, dry mouth, or irritability during the day? If so, you might be suffering from sleep apnea.
Patients with this condition experience interrupted breathing multiple times a night, preventing them from completing the sleep cycle stages necessary to boost their health. Unfortunately, misinformation about sleep apnea might prevent you from seeking treatment. Continue reading to learn 3 things about it you shouldn’t believe!
Myth #1: It’s Just Snoring
Snoring is a standard symptom of this disorder, but it’s not a requirement to be diagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type, occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and block your airways while you dream. The sound of oxygen rushing through the narrowed passages vibrates the tissues, causing the snoring you or your loved ones have heard.
Also, it’s possible to snore and not have sleep apnea. If you’re unsure whether your rumbling breath is due to a diagnosable condition, one easy way to find out is to consult your sleep dentist.
Myth #2: It Only Affects Older People
Older adults may be more prone to developing a problem, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones impacted. Researchers have found that the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea increases as you age due to weakening airway muscles and other physiological changes. In fact, one study suggests that about 56% of people who are 65 or older are considered at high risk.
However, an estimated 16% of younger adults also suffer from sleep apnea, meaning it can impact people of all ages and genders throughout their lives.
Myth #3: It Will Go Away On Its Own
If you’ve developed symptoms of sleep apnea, like snoring, excessive daytime fatigue, or mood swings, you might feel tempted to believe that it’ll simply resolve itself if you give it enough time. In some cases, you might even be right! Studies show that up to 20% of cases might spontaneously clear up.
Chances are, though, that your condition will only worsen over time. People with sleep apnea often develop other associated health concerns, like heart problems and high blood pressure. This is because repeated interruptions in your breathing deprive your heart, brain, and body of the oxygen they need to rest and recover. A chronically overtaxed cardiovascular system can lead to long-lasting issues.
If you’re still debating whether you have sleep apnea, don’t let misinformation sway you; the best next step is to contact your dentist for a consultation!
About the Practice
At Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, you and your family benefit from two dedicated providers who share 30+ years of combined experience. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Mazor offer a wide array of services to conveniently meet even the most unique needs under one roof, including sleep apnea solutions. They prioritize patient care and take the time to get to know you so they can tailor treatment plans just for you. Then, they use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (305) 680-1553.