Busting 5 Myths About Sleep Apnea

The world is full of information. Unfortunately, it is also full of misinformation, and in some cases, that misinformation can deceive people into doing things that are bad for their health. For example, there are a number of popular sleep apnea myths in Jupiter that could stop people with this condition from seeking necessary treatment. In this blog post, an experienced sleep medicine expert debunks a few of those misconceptions.

Myth #1: Sleep Apnea Is Just Snoring

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but the two are actually very different. Snoring is the sound that results when air pushes past soft tissues in the throat, causing the tissues to vibrate. For many people, snoring is nothing more than an occasional annoyance and is nothing to worry about. Sleep apnea is a medical condition that is defined by frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night.

Myth #2: Sleep Apnea Is No Big Deal

This idea could not be further from the truth. The pauses in breathing that characterize sleep apnea make it impossible for an individual to get an adequate amount of rest. Hence, they may suffer from headaches, daytime fatigue, decreased work productivity, and mood disorders. If sleep apnea remains untreated for long enough, it can even contribute to heart attack, stroke, and unhealthy weight gain.

Myth #3: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Obese People

It is true that excess body fat, especially around the neck, increases a person’s risk of suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. However, anyone can suffer from sleep apnea. It can afflict children, adults, seniors, athletes, men, women, smokers, and nonsmokers. There is no group of people who is totally exempt from the risk of developing sleep apnea.

Myth #4: A CPAP Machine Is the Only Way to Treat Sleep Apnea

Doctors commonly prescribe a CPAP machine to help their patients cope with sleep apnea. However, there are a number of effective alternatives. For example, many people find that a custom oral appliance, which moves the jaw forward in order to keep the airway open at night, is much more comfortable and convenient than a CPAP. Lifestyle changes and surgery are also possible ways to address sleep apnea.

Myth #5: Alcohol Makes You Sleep Better

Some people enjoy a drink before they go to bed because it makes them drowsy, and they think that it can increase the quality of their sleep. However, that is the opposite of true. Alcohol can actually worsen sleep apnea because it relaxes muscles throughout the body, including the ones in the throat. It can thus increase the risk of airway blockage at night.

Don’t be fooled by myths about sleep apnea! Knowing the facts about this dangerous condition can help you to take the proper steps to fight it and finally get the high-quality rest that you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a dentist and dental sleep medicine expert in Jupiter who specializes in providing oral appliance therapy. He is the only Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine practicing in Palm Beach County. If you would like to talk to him about how you can find relief from sleep apnea, contact his team at 561-531-0590.