You likely already know the basics about sleep apnea, such as how it causes your breathing to repeatedly pause throughout the night or how it’s often associated with loud snoring. But do you really have the full picture of this potentially dangerous problem? Below are 5 facts about sleep apnea that may catch you by surprise – and hopefully show why it’s so important to keep an eye out for signs of this all-too-common sleep disorder!
1. It’s Believed That Most Sleep Apnea Cases are Undiagnosed
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, roughly 30 million Americans are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Frighteningly enough, however, most of them may not even know it. It’s believed that around 80% of OSA cases are currently undiagnosed. This is due to people not recognizing the symptoms for what they are; snoring, for example, is often seen as a mere irritant and not a warning sign for a life-threatening health issue that requires treatment.
2. You Can Experience Hundreds of Sleep Apnea Episodes Each Night
Whenever your breathing stops due to sleep apnea, it’s known as a sleep apnea episode. The exact number of episodes that you experience can vary depending on the severity of your disorder. In the worst-case scenario, you could potentially have hundreds of episodes in a single night, with each one disrupting your sleep cycle. Needless to say, this can make it extremely difficult to get the quality rest that you need to stay healthy.
3. Not Everyone with Sleep Apnea is Obese
It’s well-known that obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea. This is due to the increased presence of fat deposits in the neck that can block the airway while you’re asleep. However, while the disorder is certainly more common among obese people, it can still affect those of normal weight. Thus, no matter who you are, it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential sleep apnea symptoms.
4. Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Put Your Life at Risk
Because sleep apnea leaves you feeling excessively tired during the day, it can make you more likely to have an accident while driving or operating heavy machinery. Furthermore, people with sleep apnea tend to have a higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening health issues. Overall, studies show that leaving sleep apnea untreated can significantly increase the chances of experiencing premature death. In other words, sleep-disordered breathing is a problem that you simply can’t afford to ignore.
5. Sleep Apnea Can Sometimes Be Treated with an Oral Appliance
Some individuals are reluctant to pursue sleep apnea treatment because they don’t want to have to deal with a noisy CPAP machine. But if your case isn’t too severe, you may be able to improve the quality of your sleep with an oral appliance instead. Wearing this simple device shifts your lower jaw forward, which helps hold the airway open so that you can continue to breathe normally throughout the night.
About the Practice
At SleepMed Solutions, we help patients in Greensboro get the treatment they need for snoring and sleep-disordered breathing. If you’re currently suffering from sleep apnea, we may be able to help by providing you with a comfortable, fully customized oral appliance. If you would like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment with our team, visit our website or call (336) 907-7773.