Snoring & Sleep Apnea Myths
Posted on July 5, 2010 11:04PM in Snoring and Sleep Apnea
People who snore are often the butt of jokes, but the condition is no laughing matter. In extreme cases, snoring can lead to sleep apnea, a dangerous affliction that affects as many as 2 million Americans. A large majority of sufferers have not seen a dentist or physician for diagnosis and treatment, largely because there are so many myths surrounding snoring and sleep apnea:
- Myth #1: Only overweight men snore or have sleep apnea.
Although obesity can exacerbate the condition, there are plenty of healthy women with narrow airways that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
- Myth #2: The problem will go away if I ignore it.
This couldn’t be further than the truth. When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to escalated blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, insomnia, weight gain, and other serious complications.
- Myth #3: I’ll wake up immediately if I stop breathing during sleep.
Although sufferers are often jerked suddenly awake after periods of apnea, it doesn’t always happen instantaneously. Cessations of breathing can last anywhere from 10 seconds to a couple of minutes, up to 30 times per hour. You may not even be aware of the frequency of length of the episodes.
- Myth #4: There’s nothing I can do about it.
There are several different treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Although severe cases may require more extreme solutions, most mild to moderate conditions can be remedied with oral appliance therapy. The patient is custom fitted for a dental appliance that is worn like a retainer, keeping the tongue and tissues from obstructing the airway during the night.
To learn more about snoring and sleep apnea, and how oral appliance therapy can help you reclaim a restful night’s sleep, contact Dr. Mark Kleive, a renowned expert in the treatment of sleep disorders at (651) 730-7645. Visit www.RenewingSleep.com for more information on Snoring and Sleep Apnea treatment.
