Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where breathing stops and restarts during slumber. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to severe health issues like stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes. Sleep apnea East Hampton can affect you at any age, but it is common in people over fifty years. Snoring, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, restlessness during sleep, and sudden awakenings with a choking sensation are the common symptoms of sleep apnea. There are many myths about sleep apnea, and below are some.
It is sleep apnea if you snore
Snoring does not mean you have sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, your sleep is interrupted many times during the night, leading to nighttime snoring, and in the daytime, you will have fatigue and sleep deprivation. When you snore at night and feel refreshed the following day, that is termed simple snoring. You can visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis to determine the type and cause of your snore.
Sleep apnea only affects men
Sleep apnea affects both genders. People tend to assume the condition does not affect women because partners may not hear the snore since it is not loud. Women report symptoms like insomnia, headaches, mood swings, and fatigue can indicate many health conditions, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Women are also reluctant to report snoring disorders.
Sleep will only affect you if you are overweight
Although obesity is the leading risk factor for sleep apnea, you can get sleep apnea if you have an average weight or are slightly overweight. This condition can affect anyone. Your facial and neck structure can play a role in developing the disorder. People with large tonsils, a small jaw, large overbite, recessed chin, and large neck are at a high risk of developing sleep apnea.
Kids do not get sleep apnea
Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age. Although rare, the condition also affects children. If you notice sleep apnea in your child, it may disappear on its own at later stages. In some cases, if the problem is not treated, your child can show symptoms and behavioral changes because of the inability to get enough sleep.
Sleep apnea is not a significant health condition
People believe that sleep apnea is just loud snoring. During the first stages, sleep apnea does not cause a lot of harm, and it will not affect your activities in a significant way. When your condition goes untreated, you will feel tired and restless during the day, distracting your daily engagements. You will also increase the chances of developing other health issues like heart disorders, stroke, and hypertension.
You must snore if you have sleep apnea
Although snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, it is not a must you will experience. Studies show that about twenty percent of patients experiencing sleep apnea do not snore. You might find yourself having difficulty breathing during your sleep instead of snoring. If snoring is absent, your doctor can find it challenging to make an appropriate diagnosis.
Sometimes it can be challenging to differentiate between primary snoring and sleep apnea; therefore, you must visit your doctor for the correct diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with Richard L. Nass, M.D for sleep apnea treatment to enjoy your sleep.
