Poor sleep isn’t just a side effect of getting older. If you frequently wake up more tired than before you went to bed or if your partner complains about you snoring all through the night, sleep apnea may be to blame. This condition affects more people than you may think — keep reading to learn some of what you may not know about sleep apnea to get a better idea of whether or not this condition could be to blame for your nighttime woes.
#1: Sleep Apnea Is Often Undiagnosed
Estimates from the American Sleep Apnea Association say that as many as 22 people in our country suffer from sleep apnea, with up to 80% of those cases going undiagnosed. This is often because the effects are easily confused with other conditions affecting sleep, like anxiety and depression. Watching out for the symptoms of sleep apnea — like chronic snoring, frequent exhaustion, and tossing and turning throughout the night — can help you or a loved one receive a diagnosis and treatment sooner rather than later.
#2: Children Can Have It, Too
While the risk of sleep apnea is highest for people over the age of 55, the average age of sleep apnea sufferers is quickly declining. This is because the condition is often brought on by obesity. When there is excessive pressure placed on the airway during sleep, it may become partially or completely restricted — blocking the flow of air and causing snoring. With the increase of childhood obesity over the past decade, cases of sleep apnea in very young patients are rising, too.
#3: The Risk Rises after Menopause
A common misconception is that only older men are prone to sleep apnea — but as we mentioned in the previous point, that’s just not the case. Women are equally at risk of developing sleep apnea after going through menopause.
#4: The Health Effects Are Serious
Left untreated, sleep apnea can take a serious toll on your overall health. Patients who have this condition are at an increased risk of experiencing a range of health conditions, from cardiovascular disease to heart attack, stroke, and even premature death.
#5: It Can Be Treated
Fortunately, you can avoid the long-term health effects of sleep apnea and also feel more rested and refreshed every day when you seek a treatment for this condition. A sleep dentist is a professional who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or an oral appliance are two common methods of sleep apnea treatment.
Whichever method of treatment is best for you, the important thing is finding one right away! You deserve all the benefits of a full night of restful, relaxing sleep every single night.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Eric Buck at The Columbus Sleep Center is a sleep dentist offering high-quality solutions for patients dealing with sleep apnea. To learn more about this condition or to discuss your treatment options after diagnosis, you are invited to contact the office at 614-956-9305.