Dr. Goel Gives the Truth About Sleep Apnea
Millions of people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea. Despite the condition being prevalent, there are still many assumptions and misconceptions that a good amount of people still believe. Fortunately, our Sacramento, CA sleep specialist, Dr. Pooja Goel, has extensive knowledge when it comes to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. At Bay Area Sleep Solutions & Pain Center, we’re here to help dispel some of the common myths about the disorder.
Myth #1: Only Overweight People Struggle With Sleep Apnea
One of the most common assumptions about sleep apnea is that it only affects people who struggle with their weight. While it is true that being overweight can increase the chance of sleep apnea, it’s not the only risk factor. In fact, many people who have sleep apnea are not overweight.
Sleep apnea is caused when the muscles in the back of your throat and tongue relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to become blocked. This can happen for various reasons including genetics, neck circumference, and habits like drinking alcohol.
Myth #2: Sleep Apnea is Just Snoring
Another misconception about sleep apnea is that it’s just snoring. While snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, the two are not the same, as the latter is a serious condition that can have significant health consequences if untreated. People with sleep apnea stop breathing during the night, sometimes for a minute or longer. This can cause a range of problems, including daytime fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and more.
Myth #3: Sleep Apnea Only Affects Older People
People of any age can be affected by sleep apnea, including children. However, it is more common in older people, particularly those over the age of 60. As we age, the muscles in our throat and tongue become weaker, making us more susceptible to sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea can occur in younger people as well, particularly if they have other risk factors such as obesity or a family history of the condition.
Myth #4: Sleep Apnea is Not Treatable
Some people believe that sleep apnea is not treatable and that they just have to live with it. This is not true, as there are a number of effective treatments for sleep apnea including lifestyle changes, CPAP, and oral appliance therapy. Making simple lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can help reduce your symptoms. These changes can be combined with treatments like oral appliance therapy for even greater relief.
Myth #5: Sleep Apnea Is Not Serious
Perhaps the most dangerous assumption about sleep apnea is that it’s not a serious medical condition. In fact, sleep apnea can have significant health consequences if left untreated. In addition to health problems, sleep apnea has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, depression, and even dementia. It can also have a negative impact on relationships, as the disturbances can deprive people close to you of the sleep they need to function.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea With Dr. Pooja Goel
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. It’s important to understand the truth about this condition and its potential health consequences so you’re morre likely to seek treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, Dr. Goel can give you the care you need at our Sacramento, CA office. Call us today at (408) 549-1602 or fill out our online contact form to start your journey to better sleep. We serve patients in Campbell, North San Jose, Fruitdale, and Robertsville, CA.
