Common Sleep Apnea Misinformation

Breathing issues can come in a variety of shapes and types. However, patients will frequently assume that breathing problems will always be very obvious to them. Yet, sleep apnea is a perfect example of a problem that you may not notice for a very long time.

Myth: Sleep Apnea Is Not A Serious Problem

Individuals will frequently assume that sleep apnea is little more than a type of snoring. However, this problem is much more serious than snoring. When a person is suffering from sleep apnea, their breathing will be interrupted throughout the night. In addition to causing your sleep to be interrupted, this could also lead to you experiencing a number of serious cardiovascular problems. This is due to the interrupted oxygen causing excessive strain on your heart. Over the years of suffering from this condition, you may be at a much higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke or developing blood clots. Considering the seriousness of these problems, it is important for patients to take proactive steps to reduce their risks of developing this conditions.

Myth: Developing Sleep Apnea Is A Normal Part Of Aging

The causes of sleep apnea are often a topic that people will not fully understand. This can lead to individuals assuming that it is perfectly normal part of life to develop sleep apnea as they age. While there are some individuals that will be at a higher risk of developing this condition due to genetics, there are other factors that can also play a role in the development of this disease. For example, smoking, obesity and being out of shape can all contribute to a person being more susceptible to this condition. By undergoing an examination by your doctor, you will be able to better understand your risk of developing this problem along with the steps for mitigating these risks.

Myth: Sleep Apnea Is Extremely Difficult To Treat

The first step in treating sleep apnea will be to verify that the patient is suffering from it. To do this, it will be necessary to undergo a sleep analysis where you are monitored while you sleep. In situations where it is verified that you are suffering from this condition, you might be able to treat it without needing to undergo surgery. This is done by wearing a special training device that will help to encourage you to breathe normally as you sleep. You might assume that these devices will make it difficult to sleep, but most patients will find that they adjust to wearing this device fairly quickly.