How common is sleep apnea and who is at risk?

A lot of people wonder how common sleep apnea is and who is at risk for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is extremely common and it doesn’t discriminate. A lot of people think it only affects men, which is incorrect. In reality, it affects men and women, young and old, and fit and overweight people. Because of this misconception, a lot of people ignore symptoms and don’t even talk to their doctor to see if they may need treatment. A few of the common symptoms include loud snoring, lack of energy, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, high blood pressure and depression. Your bed partner might even be giving you clues like telling you that you snore or stop breathing during sleep.

There are a lot of different types of people who think they couldn’t possibly have sleep apnea, like younger women. But young, fit women can still have sleep apnea. Even children can suffer from sleep apnea, and there are special treatment options available that take into account their bone structure, facial characteristics and skin sensitivity to minimize pressure on soft faces. There are comfortable and effective treatment options for everyone.

While sleep apnea is a common condition that can affect anyone, it’s also important to understand that sleep apnea is often linked to other serious conditions like hypertension, obesity, heart failure, coronary artery disease and diabetes, among others.  However, a high percentage of those with the sleep apnea remain undiagnosed and untreated and are not getting the restful sleep they need to live their lives to the fullest.

Make no mistake, it’s not just about snoring – whether it’s you or your bed partner. It is a serious condition that can compromise your health if left untreated. If you think you or a loved one could be suffering from sleep apnea, start by taking a sleep quiz and talking to your doctor.