For many years, the visual associated with sleep apnea has been an overweight male leading a very sedentary lifestyle. Yes, overweight individuals are likely to be at risk for OSA, but sleep apnea is shown to affect all ages, shapes and sizes. People who accumulate fat in the neck, tongue and upper belly are especially vulnerable. This weight reduces the diameter of the throat and pushes against the lungs, contributing to airway collapse during sleep.

The real truth is that the majority of apnea patients have not been diagnosed. Another disturbing fact is that individuals that don’t fit the typical ‘apnea profile’ are completely overlooked for a sleep evaluation, and often treated or evaluated for many other medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, hormones issues, and more; these treatments may even be needless.

So how can a thin fit male/female have sleep apnea? Airway architecture! Anatomic issues such as long soft palate tissue, large tongues, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, thick muscular necks all contribute to the likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea. It’s a structural and mechanical issue in the throat.

If you don’t fit the profile of a typical apnea patient, but exhibit one or more of the typical symptoms such as: morning headaches, unrefreshing sleep, snoring, poor sleep quality or daytime fatigue and sleepiness, it’s best to seek a medical evaluation. If your medical provider doesn’t take you seriously because you don’t fit the ‘apnea profile’, consider seeking a second opinion. We at Sleep Envy understand that the process can be confusing and frustrating. If you have any questions or would like a free consultation feel free to call at 725-344-1888 or email at info@sleepenvylv.com.