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5 Things You Should Know About Sleep Apnea


1. It’s more common than you think.  Most people think it only happens to overweight men, but recent studies have shown that as many as 1 in 4 adults suffer from some level of sleep apnea.

2. It’s dangerous.  Sleep apnea deprives your body of oxygen, which can dramatically affect your health and cause problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

3. It is linked to higher rates of cancer. Sleep apnea deprives the body of oxygen, which can lead to higher rates of cancer in patients under the age of 65.
Reference: Association between obstructive sleep apnea and cancer incidence in a large multicenter Spanish cohort (Campos-Rodriguez et al., 2013 Am J Respir Crit Care Med)
4. Many people with sleep apnea snore. However, not everyone who snores necessarily has sleep apnea. A sleep study is necessary to diagnose sleep apnea.

5. Treatment for sleep apnea works.
  • CPAP - Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.  Your physician will first order a sleep study to determine if CPAP therapy is right for you.  If needed, your physician will prescribe a CPAP device for you.  Hendricks Regional Health can help you find the right mask and ensure a proper fit. The machine uses a hose connected to a mask to deliver constant air pressure, helping you breathe while you sleep.
  • Some patients are not able to tolerate a CPAP mask. Inspire® therapy  uses a small device implanted under the skin to treat sleep apnea.  Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, working with the natural breathing process to maintain a steady flow of oxygen. Patients use a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on at bedtime and off in the morning when they wake up.

Call (317) 745-3680 to speak with a sleep specialist.