Facts About Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Facts to Know

• Today, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadian adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), amounting to approximately 6.5 million individuals. Of these, one-third have moderate to severe cases.
• Men have a 2-3 times higher likelihood of being affected compared to women.
• OSA is thought to be linked to many disasters including the Hinton, Alberta train derailment, Chornobyl, Exxon Valdez, the Three Mile Island accident, and the Union Carbide chemical accident.
• Obstructive sleep apnea was first reported in medical literature in 1965, with treatment for severe cases being Tracheostomy.
• Colin Sullivan introduced the first CPAP machine in 1981. This groundbreaking invention revolutionized the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by providing a non-invasive way to keep the airway open during sleep. The device uses a continuous flow of air pressure to prevent airway collapse, significantly improving sleep quality and reducing the health risks associated with OSA.
• There are two main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, happens when your muscles relax during sleep, causing soft tissues to collapse and block the airway. You try to breathe but can’t. Central sleep apnea is due to instability in your body’s breathing control system, resulting in your body stopping its breathing efforts during sleep.
• Sleep apnea can affect individuals at any age, including infants. In infants, central sleep apnea may be related to developmental issues or other medical conditions. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, more common in children, often results from enlarged tonsils and adenoids blocking the airway during sleep.
• The likelihood of developing sleep apnea rises with age. As we age, especially after menopause in women, the likelihood of sleep apnea rises. Its severity also tends to gradually increase over time, though it appears to stabilize around the age of 65. Nevertheless, it’s still possible to develop sleep apnea later in life.
• Many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed, with an estimated 23.5 million U.S. adults unaware they have the condition. Snoring, a common symptom, is often overlooked. Studies show that women, in particular, may underreport snoring and its intensity, while they might more frequently report symptoms like fatigue or insomnia.
• If left untreated, severe sleep apnea can lead to significant health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and depression.
• Being overweight is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea. Achieving a healthier weight can improve breathing during sleep. Additionally, avoiding smoking and alcohol can be beneficial. For some individuals, sleep apnea occurs mainly when sleeping on their back; thus, positional therapy to encourage side sleeping can be helpful.

Knowing facts about sleep apnea you will be able to distinguish where the false information about the disease is and where it is true.

Myths about OSA

Surgery is the Most Reliable Solution for Apnea

While surgery can cure obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for some individuals, it’s not universally effective. For instance, a child with enlarged tonsils obstructing their airway might be cured through a tonsillectomy. Some adults may see improvement through procedures that shrink or stiffen the soft tissues. However, surgery is not suitable for everyone. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks with your doctor before deciding on this approach.

Sleep Apnea Is Rare in Kids

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is actually common in children, affecting as many as 1 in 10. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and the child outgrows them. However, some children may develop behavioral issues or serious medical problems as a result.

Alcohol Will Help You Sleep

Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the back of your throat, making it easier for the airway to become blocked, especially in those with sleep apnea. Sleeping pills have a similar effect.

Only Older People Get It

Sleep apnea affects more than 22-25 million Americans of all ages, though it is more common after age 40. Risk factors include being overweight, male, African-American, or Latino, and having a family history of the disorder.

Sleep Apnea Is No Big Deal

The interruptions in sleep caused by sleep apnea can have serious consequences for both body and mind. Untreated, it has been linked to job-related injuries, car accidents, heart attacks, and strokes.

Sleep Apnea Is Just Snoring

While snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, the two are not the same. People with sleep apnea stop breathing up to 400 times a night. These pauses last 10 to 30 seconds and are usually followed by a snort as breathing resumes, disrupting the sleep cycle and causing daytime fatigue.

Understanding sleep apnea facts and recognizing myths can help diagnose and effectively treat sleep apnea, thereby improving your overall health and quality of life.