While some individuals have certain risk factors that can make them more susceptible to sleep apnea, the fact is that this condition can afflict virtually anyone of any age. Fortunately, there are a variety of advanced sleep apnea treatments available right here at Fulbright Snoring & Sleep Solutions that can effectively address the condition and significantly reduce health risks.
The list below details some statistics* associated with sleep apnea that can give you an idea of just how prevalent – and dangerous – the condition really is:
- It is estimated that somewhere between 18 to 25 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea.
- A large majority of individuals who have moderate to severe sleep apnea remain undiagnosed.
- Sleep apnea seems to be more common among men, particularly those who are of middle-age and are overweight.
- A study at the University of California-San Diego found that African-American individuals may be at a higher risk for sleep apnea than Caucasians.
- The health risks of sleep apnea can include hypertension, heart disease, stroke, depression, sudden cardiac death, and many others.
- A connection between sleep apnea and many traffic accidents has been established. It has been said that individuals with sleep apnea are several times more likely to be involved in a fatal auto accident.
- Sleep apnea is more common in children than you might think. The American Sleep Apnea Association states that it could affect as many as 1 to 4 percent of children. While the condition is more prevalent among those in this group who are between 2 and 8 years of age, sleep apnea can affect children of all ages, including infants.
- Hundreds of thousands of tonsillectomies are performed for children each year. In many cases, sleep apnea has necessitated removal of the tonsils since these soft tissues can cause an airway obstruction.
- It has been found that the risk of stroke and heart disease is much higher for those who have sleep apnea compared to those who do not suffer from the condition.
- A person with the condition may experience as many as 60 sleep apnea episodes each hour during sleep. In some cases, sleep apnea sufferers may have more than 100 breathing pauses in a single hour.
- Of the three major types of sleep apnea – Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome – Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common.
If you believe that you or a loved one is at risk for sleep apnea or are currently suffering from the condition, it’s important to know that there is help available. Once a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Michael Fulbright can explore the many advanced treatment options, including customized oral appliances, that can address your concerns.
Please contact Fulbright Snoring & Sleep Solutions for more information, or to schedule a free sleep apnea consultation.
*references include:
https://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea-information-clinicians/