When it comes to sleep apnea, there are a number of myths and questions surrounding the condition. Here are a few of the most common myths swirling around sleep apnea.
- My snores are just a nuisance.
Snoring on it’s own is fairly common among men, women, and children. However, deep snores punctuated with frequent gasps or pauses in breathing can be an indicator that the sleeper is having trouble getting enough air in and out each breath, signalling sleep apnea. More often than not, it’s the partners of these patients who notice this deep, raucous snoring and are in a better position to recommend a visit to the doctor or dentist for a sleep apnea test. - I’m in perfect health, so I’m not at risk of sleep apnea.
False! While obesity, age, and high blood pressure are serious risk factors in developing sleep apnea, the collapse of tissue which blocks airflow can happen to any patient at any age. Children, teens, and adults in perfect shape are all at risk of developing obstructive, complex, or mixed sleep apnea. As a result, if you notice yourself showing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to schedule a home sleep study with our Windsor dentist. - Insurance companies don’t cover sleep apnea testing and treatment.
Incorrect! Many insurance companies will cover some portion of the costs that come with testing and treating obstructive sleep apnea. If you are responsible for paying a certain percentage of the overall treatment costs, Great New Smile offers affordable payment plan options to ensure you receive the coverage you need. - I don’t need to wear my sleep apnea treatment.
Regardless of whether you use a sleep apnea oral appliance or rely on CPAP to get you through the night, consistently using your preferred sleep apnea treatment is the only way you’ll reap the full benefits of treatment. If you find CPAP to be unwieldy or difficult to wear, our Windsor dentist can provide you with a custom-fit oral appliance. - Alcohol will help me sleep through the night.
While a nightcap may help you relax after a long day, alcohol before bed can actually make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse by relaxing the muscles in the back of the throat, causing further obstruction. Excessive drinking can also contribute to increased weight gain, another risk factor for developing sleep apnea. - Sleep apnea just means I need more sleep
If you’re consistently gasping for air while your sleep because of sleep apnea, increasing the hours you sleep each night won’t help you feel better or more awake in the morning. Getting the right treatment for your condition and monitoring your symptoms are the best means of regaining a full night’s rest.
In Windsor, Dr. Roberta Garceau and her team are here to help. Thanks to advanced training in dental sleep medicine as well as a commitment for providing patients with high quality, personalized solutions, Dr. Garceau is able to provide the initial screening and treatment solution recommendations for patients with sleep apnea. To learn more about sleep apnea testing and treatments in greater Hartford County, CT, call Great New Smile today!