Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects your breathing while you sleep. While cases range from moderate to severe, it should not be ignored. Believing a sleep apnea myth can be harmful because it may cause confusion about this disorder. Fortunately, we are here to debunk these myths and help you sleep better at night!
Call us today at 706-549-5033 to set up an appointment with Dr. Tomlinson.
Consider the truth behind these sleep apnea myths:
Sleep Apnea Myth #1: It Isn’t a Big Deal
What many people don’t realize is that sleep apnea affects you throughout your day. Two side effects of sleep apnea are excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep deprivation. When people do not get enough sleep, our bodies and minds are severely affected. Sleep apnea can cause work-related injuries, unintentional accidents, and more.
Sleep Apnea Myth #2: Snoring & Sleep Apnea are the Same Thing
Snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea; however, if you snore, that doesn’t mean you definitely suffer from sleep apnea. Both issues occur because your respiratory tract is blocked. When this tract is blocked, it can cause you to stop breathing.
For some people, this only occurs for a few seconds. But for others, it’s much longer. Either way, it’s extremely important to discover why sleep apnea is happening and get it fixed.
Sleep Apnea Myth #3: It Only Occurs in Older People
While sleep apnea is common among people over 40, it can occur in people of all ages – including children. If your child snores or is extremely tired throughout the day, he may have sleep apnea. This is dangerous because it can affect his behavioral and cognitive development.
Sleep is extremely important for the body and brain. If you suffer from sleep deprivation, your health is at risk. Allow the team at Athens Oral Surgery Center to help. Contact us today.