Sleep Apnea Facts & Myths
TREATMENT OPTIONS
GOLD STANDARD TREATMENT OPTION
The basic idea behind CPAP therapy is very simple: a regulated flow of pressurised air is used to keep tissues in your throat from collapsing and obstructing your airway. The pressurised air is delivered from a small device to a mask that you wear while you sleep to help prevent apneas.
SLEEP APNEA FACTS & MYTHS
| Many people with sleep apnea are not aware they have it. | Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder and many individuals with sleep apnea are not aware they are stop breathing in their sleep and their sleep is disrupted. |
| A person with sleep apnea may stop breathing hundreds of limes each night. | The cycle of sleep apnea (stopping breathing in sleeps) can occur over and over throughout the night. |
| Sleep apnea is related to high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. | Sleep apnea can be caused by obesity and can make high blood pressure and diabetes more difficult to control. |
| Sedatives, muscle relaxants, anesthesia and alcohol do not affect sleep apnea. | Any substance that relaxes muscles will make the airway more likely to collapse and worsen apnea. |
| Snoring and daytime sleepiness are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. | Snoring is caused by tissue vibration from partial airway obstruction. Sleep apnea causes sleep disruption leading to excessive daytime sleepiness. |
TAKE THE REST TEST
Find out if you’re at risk for sleep apnea. Simply answer the following questions and then add up the number of Times you answered ‘yes’.
If you answer ‘yes’ to three or more of these questions, you may be at risk of having sleep apnea and you should speak with your primary care physician.
While snoring and tiredness may not seem serious, sleep apnea can cause other health problems. So, it’s important to see your doctor and discuss ways to assess your risks.
