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Common Myths About Sleep Apnea, Debunked

Respacare Blog Common Myths About Sleep Apnea, Debunked
Common Myths About Sleep Apnea, Debunked

Sleep apnea is common, but often misunderstood. From “it’s just loud snoring” to “only overweight people get it,” myths about sleep apnea can stop people who have it from getting tested, diagnosed, and treated. 

Because it’s Sleep Apnea Awareness Month, Dr. Nehal Mehta, Dr. Prashant Patel, and our team at Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, can help clear up the confusion. Understanding the facts about sleep apnea can improve your sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and protect long-term health. 

Below, we debunk four of the common myths of sleep apnea and explain the facts you really need to know.

Myth #1: Sleep apnea is just loud snoring

Loud snoring is one of the most common sleep apnea symptoms, but it isn’t the whole story. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night while you sleep. These interruptions lower blood oxygen, placing stress on vital organs like your heart and brain. 

When left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. 

It’s also important to know that not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Some people have what’s called “silent sleep apnea,” which can go undiagnosed and untreated because it doesn’t fit the typical stereotype. If you feel overly tired during the day or wake up feeling unrefreshed, it’s time to talk to your doctor about sleep apnea and a sleep study. 

Myth #2: Only overweight people should worry 

Weight is a potential contributing factor to sleep apnea. Extra body weight places additional stress on the upper airway, increasing the risk of obstruction and pauses in breathing. However, you don’t have to be overweight or obese to have sleep apnea. 

In fact, untreated sleep apnea can make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism, which may contribute to weight gain over time. 

Again, if you don’t feel well-rested after a full night of sleep, don’t dismiss it as stress or aging. Persistent fatigue is a sign that something more is going on.

Myth #3: If you’re not tired, it’s not sleep apnea

Not everyone with sleep apnea feels constantly exhausted. Some people don’t recognize their daytime symptoms as sleep-related, while others may have adapted to their chronic fatigue and assume it’s normal. 

You may also have mild to moderate sleep apnea that doesn’t cause dramatic daytime sleepiness. Still, even mild sleep apnea benefits from treatment that may help prevent long-term health complications.

Myth #4: CPAP is the only treatment

While we consider continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea, it’s not your only option. We offer a number of personalized treatments for sleep apnea, including:

If you use CPAP therapy, we can help you get the most comfortable treatment, which includes finding the right mask, machine, and settings. We want solutions that fit your lifestyle and allow you to sleep more soundly. 

Don’t let common sleep apnea myths stop you from getting the help you need. Effective treatment can improve your sleep, energy, and overall health. 

Call our office today or book an appointment online.

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