Common Sleep Apnea Myths

Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder, affecting millions of people across the world. Over time, many myths have been developed and wrong information has been passed around regarding the disorder. There are numerous sleep apnea myths adults believe, sleep apnea misunderstandings, and sleep apnea false beliefs. Many patients mistake it for merely loud snoring or assume that it only affects certain individuals.

In this post on common myths about sleep apnea, we'll explore sleep apnea myths, including the confusion between sleep apnea and snoring, as well as sleep apnea myths about CPAP.

We'll cover everything from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms to effective treatment options such as CPAP therapy and oral appliances.

Myth 1: Sleep Apnea Is Just Snoring

Snoring and sleep apnea are distinct conditions, which are often mistakenly thought to be the same thing. Snoring is the sound created by vibrating tissues in the nose and throat, while sleep apnea involves repeated pauses or reductions in breathing, which can lower oxygen levels and disrupt sleep.

Not  everyone who snores has sleep apnea, however nearly all individuals with sleep apnea snore quite loudly. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of OSA; it should be taken seriously and evaluated by a professional.

There is a key difference between sleep apnea and simple snoring. Sleep apnea causes breathing pauses, episodes of gasping or choking, and next day effects such as excessive fatigue, morning headaches, or difficulty concentrating. Simple snoring is mostly harmless, although it can be a nuisance for your sleeping partner! 

Simple snoring can sometimes progress into clinically significant sleep apnea over time, therefore it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis from a sleep specialist. A sleep study is often necessary to determine the severity of the condition, and thanks to advances in technology this can even be carried out in the comfort of your own home. Your healthcare provider will then analyze the results and put together an individually tailored treatment plan as necessary. 

Myth 2: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Older, Overweight Men

Although more common, sleep apnea is not limited to older, overweight men. People of all ages, genders, and body types can be affected by OSA. Unfortunately, the condition is often under-recognized, particularly in women and younger adults.

Epidemiologic studies suggest that men are more likely to be affected by OSA. However, this gap decreases with age and may be influenced by under-diagnosis in women. Women often present with non-classic symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, or mood changes, rather than loud snoring.

OSA can also affect children and adolescents, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Also, adults who are not obese may still develop OSA due to factors such as airway anatomy, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, or other conditions which can cause airway collapse during sleep. 

This is a prime example of how sleep apnea myths adults believe can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

Although statistically more men are affected than women, women may experience equal or greater health impacts when diagnosed. Stereotyping sleep apnea as a condition that only affects older, overweight men delays diagnosis and treatment for many individuals who need care.

Myth 3: CPAP Is the Only Treatment Option

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses a machine to deliver pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. It is one of the most common techniques of managing OSA. While it is highly effective, it is not the only option. Many individuals find relief through oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices, which reposition the jaw to prevent airway collapse.

There are also other types of PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. These include BiPAP, which provides separate inhale and exhale pressures, and APAP, which auto-adjusts pressure levels. These alternatives can offer greater comfort for individuals who find standard CPAP pressure challenging.

Non-machine options are also worth considering. These include positional therapy to avoid sleeping on your back, myofunctional or physical therapy to strengthen throat muscles (such as using eXciteOSA stimulation), and emerging technologies like Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulators, which activate airway muscles internally.

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, surgical interventions for anatomical issues, or newer medications such as GLP-1 agonists can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea, especially in mild cases. By distinguishing between sleep apnea myths and truths, you will find there are a variety of approaches. A sleep specialist can help put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you.

Consult a Sleep Specialist

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea however most patients with sleep apnea snore loudly through the night. Anyone can be affected by sleep apnea, regardless of age or weight. CPAP is a leading treatment option, however it is not the only option. Oral appliances, positional therapy, weight loss, and other therapies can also be effective in the management of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime fatigue, gasping at night, or loud, chronic snoring. It is important to not to ignore these symptoms and you should speak to your health care provider or sleep specialist to avoid long-term health complications. They can perform a sleep evaluation and recommend a sleep study to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and personalized care.

Don’t let myths delay your treatment. Take action now to protect your heart, brain, and overall quality of life by seeking professional help and exploring treatment options that suit your needs.