By: Geoff Gilman
Did you know: studies have shown that there are over 30,000,000 Americans that are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, and more than 75% of those people don’t know it.
One of the reasons why there are so many people suffering unknowingly is because a lot of them do not fit the “mold.” They aren’t all heavy set, middle-aged males who have large necks!
They can look like an athletic man in his mid 20’s.
They can look like a slender woman in her 40's.
They may look like you or your friends or family. One of the biggest things that is getting in the way is stereotypes. The other is a lack of awareness.
We want to encourage what is known as a paradigm shift. A Paradigm shift is a “fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.”
And it’s not just you and I ... it's medical professionals as well.
This last Christmas as I was at my girlfriend’s house for dinner, I was able to meet her family. A majority of them are in the medical field in some form. A few of them are optometrists, some are EMT’s while others are nurses.
All of them thought you had to be overweight with large necks and only thought men suffered from it.
The optometrists, who could actually refer people out to be tested for apnea, were under the same impression.
That’s why it’s so important that you become aware of the signs and symptoms. When you realize anyone can be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, it will change your paradigm. Take some time to think through who in your life could be affected by this.
Check out our article on obstructive sleep apnea and screening!
