Truth: This is one of the most common sleep apnea fallacies. While snoring is frequently a sign of sleep apnea, it is not always the case. In reality, about 40% of adults snore, and 26% suffer from sleep apnea. When the tissues of the throat vibrate, snoring develops.
- Congestion
- Nasal anatomy
- Alcohol
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes
As a result, a person can snore without suffering from sleep apnea.
Myth: If you have sleep apnea, you don’t need to seek treatment.
Truth: Sleep apnea is a serious condition that one should treat as soon as possible. Sleep apnea has significant mental and physical health repercussions if left untreated. Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression and put you in danger of falling asleep while driving if left untreated.
Myth: It won’t affect me because I am young.
Truth: While sleep apnea is more common in older adults, it can affect anybody, including children. It affects roughly ten percent of children aged two to eight.
Myth: It won’t affect me because I am skinny.
Truth: Obesity can induce sleep apnea and vice versa, but it is not a direct indicator of sleep apnea. The disorder can affect anyone; in fact, genetics may play a role in sleep apnea. For example, facial structure can limit breathability, inducing snoring and sleep apnea.
Myth: If you drink a little alcohol, you’ll sleep better.
Truth: You’ve probably heard folks state that they sleep better after they’ve had a few drinks. While they may have fallen asleep quickly, drinking will not provide quality sleep. In fact, drinking alcohol before bed may leave one feeling more fatigued.
Myth: If you’re depressed, you don’t have sleep apnea.
Truth: Sleep apnea does have the potential to induce depression. Sleep apnea causes you to be weary all of the time, leaving you with little energy to do anything. Correcting poor sleeping habits, whether from sleep hygiene or sleep apnea, will help in alleviating depression symptoms.
Myth: CPAP masks are unsightly.
Truth: CPAP masks have improved in terms of appearance and comfort. Several alternatives to pick from will keep you comfortable at night, and the devices are relatively quiet. Additionally, people who get enough sleep during the night will appear much better during the day.
Find Sleep Apnea Relief in Washington
Dr. Buck is a facial orthopedist based in the state of Washington. Through teamwork and combining their expertise, Dr. Buck and his fellow ENT physicians and pulmonologists help their patients find relief from sleep apnea. With Dr. Buck and his team, you can find relief from the severity and alleviate symptoms from sleep breathing issues. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment by giving us a call today at 425-361-7499. Additionally, one may contact us by filling out our online form.
