Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. OSA affects about 54 million Americans, but most don’t know they have it, or that it can raise their risk for serious health problems like diabetes and stroke.
Many people don’t understand OSA, and there are a lot of wrong ideas about it. Most people living with sleep disordered breathing don’t even know they might have OSA and need to seek a diagnosis. That’s why the Alliance of Sleep Apnea Partners has begun an educational campaign highlighting the risks of this common condition: to help more people with sleep apnea get treatment and sleep better for better health.
Myth 1: OSA only affects older, overweight white men who snore
OSA affects people of all ages, genders, races, and body types. While OSA is more common in men, 9% of women have at least mild OSA. OSA is prevalent across racial and ethnic groups, with higher risks in Black or African American persons, Hispanic or Latino persons, and Asian populations. OSA can occur in non-obese individuals, particularly in Asian populations, due to craniofacial or hereditary risk factors. OSA symptoms can present differently in children and can often be mistaken for ADHD. Age is another factor: OSA becomes more common as people get older.
Myth 2: Women’s OSA symptoms are the same as men’s
OSA symptoms show up differently in women than in men. Women often have less obvious signs like trouble sleeping, feeling sad, being tired, having morning headaches, and nightmares. Doctors frequently mistake these symptoms for anxiety or depression, which prevents women from getting the right diagnosis. After menopause, women lose the protection that estrogen provides, making their risk for OSA similar to men’s. The common STOP-BANG screening questionnaire specific to OSA, a tool doctors use to assess patients’ risk, doesn’t work as well for finding OSA in women. Because of these differences, women are much less likely to be diagnosed with OSA compared to men.
Myth 3: Sleep apnea only affects people with obesity
While being overweight is a major risk factor, you can have sleep apnea without having obesity. Many people of normal weight develop OSA due to other risk factors. These include physical features like a recessed jaw, large tonsils, a large tongue, or a low-hanging soft palate. Your family history plays a role, too. Nose problems such as polyps, a crooked septum, or narrow nostrils can also cause OSA. For women, going through menopause increases the risk, even without weight gain.
Myth 4: Snoring is just annoying, not dangerous
Loud, regular snoring is more than just annoying — it’s often a warning sign of OSA. Ignoring it can lead to serious health problems. People with untreated OSA are 2-4 times more likely to have a stroke, and between 30-50% of OSA patients also have high blood pressure. Shockingly, severe, untreated OSA makes you 3.8 times more likely to die from any cause. The condition increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic problems. It can cause depression and mood changes. Many people with OSA experience memory and thinking problems. Alarmingly, people with untreated OSA are 2.4 times more likely to have car accidents due to daytime sleepiness.
Myth 5: OSA testing requires staying overnight in a sleep lab
Spending the night in a sleep lab for a polysomnography, or PSG, test is one way to diagnose OSA. However, it’s not the only option. Home sleep apnea tests are now widely available and convenient. These home tests allow you to be tested in the comfort of your own bedroom. If you have sleep apnea symptoms but are hesitant about getting tested in a sleep lab, ask your doctor about a home test. The latest technology in wearable devices can allow you to track your breathing while sleeping.
Myth 6: OSA only affects sleep quality
OSA doesn’t just make it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep; it can hurt your health and lower your quality of life. Brain function can suffer, leading to trouble thinking clearly. OSA is also linked to sexual dysfunction, decreased quality of life, eye conditions, and lung issues. The effects of OSA can cause problems at work due to fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness, affecting work performance and relationships. Its effect is felt beyond just sleep.
Myth 7: Treatment for OSA is worse than the condition
Leaving OSA untreated costs about $6,366 per person each year in medical expenses and lost productivity. Given the number of people affected and the economic impact of untreated sleep apnea, sleep apnea should be a national priority. Treatment costs much less — around $2,105 annually — saving about 67% of those costs. Beyond CPAP machines, there are many treatment options, including oral appliances that fit in your mouth, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgeries. Getting treatment can dramatically improve your quality of life, energy levels, and mood. It also makes you safer by reducing your risk of accidents. The temporary discomfort of adjusting to treatment is minor compared to the serious consequences of letting OSA go untreated.
Think you might have OSA? Talk to your doctor now
Finding and treating OSA early is crucial for your health and well-being. If you think you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait to get help. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask about testing options. Remember that OSA affects people of all types, not just older, overweight men. The improvements in your energy, mood, and overall health after treatment can be life-changing. Find free resources at apneapartners.org, including information about treatment options, a toolkit for women, and a conversation guide for speaking with your doctor.
