Many people have heard about sleep apnea. While sleep apnea is a very real disorder that negatively affects the lives of many people throughout the country, there is a lot of misinformation being spread about the disorder.
False information and misconceptions about sleep apnea have the potential to be very dangerous. These myths could deter someone from seeking treatment that may improve the quality of their life.
Here are three facts about sleep apnea that you can use to make more informed decisions regarding your own health and wellbeing in the future.
1. You Can Have Sleep Apnea if You Don't Snore
Many people believe that sleep apnea and snoring go hand-in-hand. If you don't snore at night, then this false belief could prevent you from seeking treatment for sleep apnea.
Although snoring is a known symptom of sleep apnea, it isn't necessarily a primary indicator of the disorder. In fact, a lack of snoring can be linked to central sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea is a rare form of the disorder that is caused by a disconnection between the brain and the muscles associated with breathing. This disconnection causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night but produces no audible snoring.
You should always seek treatment for sleep apnea if you experience fatigue, headaches, or frequent urination at night whether you snore or not.
2. You Can't Put Off Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Too many people think that sleep apnea is more of an inconvenience than a danger. These people may put off getting treatment or avoid wearing their CPAP masks at night because they don't realize the serious nature of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea has been linked to a wide range of physical and mental health problems. You are at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression when you have sleep apnea.
The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can eliminate these health risks.
3. You Can Have Sleep Apnea if You Are Thin
Sleep apnea is often thought of as a disorder that only affects people who are overweight. While obesity can certainly contribute to the development of sleep apnea, it isn't the only cause.
Other factors that can cause a person to develop sleep apnea include smoking, alcohol abuse, advanced age, and sex (men are more likely to develop sleep apnea).
Since a thin person can be affected by each of these factors, the potential for a thin person to suffer from sleep apnea is real.
Contact a sleep clinic or hospital, such as Elkview General Hospital, for more information.