Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder but also one of the most misunderstood ones. The misconceptions can prevent people from getting a proper diagnosis and treatments. However, if this condition is left untreated, it might lead to severe consequences. We made a list of some of the most unexpected sleep apnea insights which might leave you speechless.

Not Everyone with Sleep Apnea Fits the Stereotype

There is a common stereotype that people who look in a certain way have sleep apnea. However, this isn’t completely true as there are people who have a normal weight and aren’t middle-aged and still have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea varies, but children with enlarged tonsils and women in menopause are at higher risk of developing the condition.

Sleep Apnea May Have Unexpected Symptoms

Even though loud snoring accompanied by gasping or choking is a clear sign that a person has sleep apnea, the condition might also have unexpected symptoms. So, people with sleep apnea might experience light sleep, nocturia, and teeth grinding. Likewise, there are plenty of highly unexpected sleep apnea symptoms, such as heartburn, restless sleep, sweating, heart palpitations, morning headaches, and compromised short-term memory.

Sleep Apnea Impact Your Health

Sleep apnea has a huge effect on your overall health. In fact, sleep apnea is quite often associated with cardiac disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, congestive heart failure, heart attack, dementia, and stoke. However, if you get proper treatment for sleep apnea, you will likely reduce the risk of developing these conditions. 

Choose a Treatment That Works

Choosing a proper treatment for sleep apnea which works is crucial in managing the condition. Never settle for a therapy that leaves you with residual sleep apnea. One of the best sleep apnea treatment is considered to be CPAP therapy. However, first, you should undertake a sleep study. Sometimes, you might be required to go in surgery. If you start using positional therapy or oral appliance, make sure it works properly. Otherwise, always seek a better alternative. Always consult your sleep specialist and discuss optimal treatments.

CPAP Isn't for Everyone

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy isn’t a suitable treatment for everyone. In fact, not everyone tolerates CPAP therapy and it doesn’t work for everyone. Sometimes, a person with sleep apnea might need to undergo surgery, use oral appliance, or try positional therapy instead. Likewise, some people might need to lose weight, or try adjunctive treatment. Children will probably benefit from orthodontic treatment.