A few Myths Which Are Commonly Believed About Recognizing and Living With The Sleeping Disorder

Sleep Apnea is a sleep irregularity where the sleeper experiences numerous pauses in breathing

There are three distinct types of Sleep Apnea, Central (CSA), Obstructive (OSA) or mixed Sleep Apnea, a combination of both Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. You will probably be unaware of your condition despite the type of Sleep Apnea you suffer from.


Below is a selection of widely believed myths about Sleep Apnea, from the symptoms all the way to the diagnosis of the condition to the treatments available.


1.Sleep Apnea is just snoring: Myth Snoring can be seen as a symptom for Sleep Apnea, but there are big differences between the two. People who suffer from Sleep Apnea can wake up around 400 times a night after they have stopped breathing. These pauses or " Apnea's" can last anywhere between 10 to 30 seconds, often succeeded by a snort which is why snoring and Sleep Apnea often get confused as the same thing. These pauses in breathing can disrupt your sleep pattern making you more tired the following day.


2.Sleep Apnea is not dangerous: Myth The various breaks in sleep can severely disrupt your natural sleep pattern, exhausting your body and mind. People with Sleep Apnea often wake up in the night gasping for breath, which can be very traumatic and as a result can cause the heart and cardiovascular system to over exert. The pauses in breathing can also reduce blood oxygen levels severely. Untreated Sleep Apnea can cause car accidents, work-related injuries and strokes.


3.Losing weight can help: Fact Someone who is obese or overweight is very likely to suffer with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is due to the lack of muscle tone around the main airway, causing your airway to be very narrow and restricted. Just by losing a small percentage of your weight can drastically reduce symptoms. Smoking can also worsen the symptoms of OSA, so ask your doctor for tips and advice on how to quit.


4. Only older people get Sleep Apnea: Myth Medical statistics show that around 17 million people in the USA suffer from Sleep Apnea. Although you are more likely suffer from the condition if you are over the age of 40, people of all ages, including children have been diagnosed with the disorder. However if you are overweight and male, it is more likely that OSA will arise. Sleep Apnea also tends to run through families.


5. CPAP is an effective treatment: Fact A CPAP machine blows a strong current of air into your body through a mask keeping your airway open whilst you sleep. The CPAP equipment is the most effective, non-surgical treatment for Sleep Apnea to lighten the symptoms of Sleep Apnea. CPAP is the favourite method of treatment for adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It has also been proved to be a very effective treatment.


Now that a few myths have been corrected, if you believe that you or maybe your partner or child endure Sleep Apnea, don't hesitate and visit your family doctor for advice on what to do next.

If you suffer from the common affliction of sleep apnea then a CPAP Machine could really help as it is a very effective way of reducing the effects and ensuring that you get the best night's sleep possible. First off, it is a good idea to speak to a professional physician to work out the most effective treatment available for your sleep apnea - if you should require a CPAP Machine, they will determine which would be the most suitable to meet your requirements.

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