5 Mysteries About Sleep Apnea, Solved

When it comes to sleep apnea, there’s plenty of myths out there. Worse still, because this condition occurs while you’re not awake, it can be even harder to understand or even tell if you have it in the first place. Here’s a closer look at a five common misconceptions people have about the disorder, and how getting treatment from a qualified sleep dentist can solve some life-changing mysteries about sleep apnea.

Kids Can’t Get Sleep Apnea

While it may not be as common in kids as it is in adults, an estimated 3 percent of children have sleep apnea, and between ten and 20 percent of those who snore may also have the condition. If your child is experiencing daytime symptoms such as exhaustion, trouble focusing, and irritability along with snoring or difficulties falling or staying asleep, speak to their pediatrician or sleep dentist about sleep apnea testing.

Sleep Apnea Only Affects You if You’re Overweight

While obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for sleep apnea, this disorder can affect people of any weight, shape, or size. It is also common for those with a large neck, tonsils, or overbite, a recessed chin or even a small jaw.

Everyone Who Snores Has Sleep Apnea and Everyone Who Has Sleep Apnea Snores

Snoring is another important indication that you could have sleep apnea, but it doesn’t mean you do. In fact, many people who snore don’t have a sleep disorder. Furthermore, not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Thus, neither is a reliable method for determining if you have the condition, but if accompanied by other issues like daytime lethargy, depression, cognitive impairment, and frequent morning sore throats or headaches, it’s worth being evaluated by a sleep dentist.

Only Men Get Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more common in men but can affect any gender. Unfortunately, women are often misdiagnosed or under diagnosed, because their symptoms are frequently different than men’s. Often, female patients are hesitant to mention symptoms to their doctor, so the opportunity for testing is missed. In other cases, their snoring is quieter and less disruptive, so their partner doesn’t mention it. Plus, because their symptoms (morning headaches, mood disturbances, lack of energy, insomnia) can be attributed to other conditions, they are frequently thought to be due to something entirely different.

CPAP Is the Only Way to Treat Sleep Apnea

While CPAP machines are the most common treatment method for sleep apnea, it is not the only option, nor is it necessarily the best. In fact, many patients who are prescribed CPAP avoid using it entirely because they find it uncomfortable, thereby getting no benefits from it whatsoever. Thankfully, other solutions such as oral appliance therapy can help. These devices are custom fit to your individual mouth to ensure they are completely comfortable. Instead of relying on forced air to prop your airway open like CPAP does, they position your jaw comfortably, so the airway remains open without the need for electronics, tubes, and masks to get a good night’s sleep.

Remember, although sleep apnea is a very misunderstood condition, the good news is that your sleep dentist can help you solve the mystery of why you’re not getting a good night’s sleep. If you’re ready to stop struggling to stay awake and finally get the rest you deserve, schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment today!

About Dr. Romack

Dr. Deborah Romack earned her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry and has since then taken a keen interest in sleep dentistry. She has taken a variety of continuing education courses on the subjects like airway obstruction, snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS).  She is an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association. To schedule an appointment for sleep apnea, visit our website or call us today at 817-594-3806.