Surprising Facts About Sleep Apnea

If you've been waking up feeling tired or struggling with disrupted sleep, you're not alone. Sleep apnea, a common condition affecting millions, often goes undiagnosed and untreated—yet its impact can be life-altering.

Despite its prevalence, there's still a lot that people don't know all that they should about sleep apnea.

What Exactly Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These pauses, called "apneas," can last anywhere from a few seconds to a minute and may occur dozens—or even hundreds—of times each night. There are different types of sleep apnea, the most common of which is obstructive sleep apnea caused by a physical blockage of the airway, such as relaxed throat muscles or excess tissue.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and even a shortened lifespan.

Surprising Facts About Sleep Apnea

Here are some more surprising facts that might make you rethink what you know about sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea is Frequently Underdiagnosed (and Often Overlooked)

Millions of people have sleep apnea—yet many don't even realize it. Since the symptoms occur while you're asleep, the condition can go unnoticed for years. Daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and irritability can all be clues, but they're often attributed to other causes, like stress or poor sleep habits. Experts estimate that up to 80% of cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea go undiagnosed.

You Don't Have to Be Overweight to Have Sleep Apnea

While being overweight is a common risk factor for sleep apnea, it's certainly not the only one. Healthy-weight individuals can develop sleep apnea, too. Factors like genetics, the structure of your airway, a small jaw, or even enlarged tonsils can contribute to the condition. This is why it's important not to dismiss symptoms based on weight alone.

Snoring Isn't the Only Symptom

Yes, loud, persistent snoring is one of the tell-tale signs of obstructive sleep apnea, but it's not the only one. Many people with sleep apnea may experience:

• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Difficulty concentrating or poor memory during the day
• Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
• Daytime sleepiness, even after a full night's sleep

If you or someone you know snores and exhibits any of these symptoms, it might be time to check with a medical professional.

It Can Affect People of All Ages

Sleep apnea isn't just a condition for older adults—it can occur in children and young adults, too. Pediatric sleep apnea often goes undetected because symptoms may be different, such as hyperactivity, learning difficulties, or bedwetting. For children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids are often the cause. If you notice unusual sleeping patterns in your child, talk to a healthcare provider.

Sleep Apnea Can Be Deadly

The constant pauses in breathing put a significant strain on your heart and reduce oxygen levels in your blood. Over time, this can lead to serious health issues, like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even stroke.

Getting proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce your risk of complications.

CPAP Machines Aren't the Only Treatment

When most people think of sleep apnea treatment, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines come to mind. While CPAP is an effective and common treatment, it's not the only option available. Alternatives include:

• Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted by your dentist, these devices reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can help reduce sleep apnea severity.
• Surgical Options: For severe cases, surgery to remove excess tissue or correct structural issues may be appropriate.

If you're hesitant about using a CPAP, or struggling to use yours, there may be other available treatments.

Your Dentist Can Help Diagnose and Treat Sleep Apnea

Dentists are trained to notice oral signs of sleep apnea, like a small jaw, tongue position, or wear patterns on your teeth caused by clenching or grinding. They can also fit you for oral appliances, which are a comfortable treatment option that many patients prefer to CPAP machines. In addition to seeing your PCP and a sleep doctor, you should discuss your sleep apnea symptoms with your dentist.

If you think you or a loved one might have sleep apnea, schedule your next dental appointment today.