Anyone, regardless of their age, physique, or lifestyle, could develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). That is why you should always monitor the quality of your nightly rest! However, some groups are at a higher risk than others. Could you be in danger of sleep apnea? This page discusses some common risk factors that Glendale patients should be aware of.
Gaining Too Much Weight
Obesity is a big risk factor for sleep apnea. That is simply because extra fatty tissue around the neck and abdomen can place pressure on your airway, making it more likely that you will experience breathing disruptions during sleep.
Narrowed Airway
Certain anatomical abnormalities may cause you to have a narrow airway. This could be due to a narrow palate, a large uvula, or other factors. These issues are heavily influenced by genetics.
Being Male
Statistics indicate that men are 2 – 3 times more likely to develop sleep apnea than women. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it might be because men tend to have a larger neck circumference.
Age
The risk of sleep apnea increases with age. This may be due to the natural loss of muscle tone as the years and decades pass. It is also worth mentioning that hormonal factors can play a role. Women are much more likely to develop symptoms of sleep apnea during or after menopause.
Family History
Obstructive sleep apnea is often found among family members. Your genetics and learned lifestyle habits could influence things like your weight, your oral structures, and your sleep routine.
Using Alcohol or Sedatives
Certain medications, including alcohol and common sleep aids, can make the tissues in your airway become overly relaxed. In turn, this can cause those tissues to obstruct your airway, leading to an increased risk of snoring and breathing disruptions.
Smoking
Smoking can irritate your airway, causing it to become inflamed. Therefore, smokers are at a much higher risk of sleep apnea than nonsmokers. Smoking can also cause lung damage, which may further exacerbate breathing problems.
Nasal Congestion
Chronic allergies, a deviated septum, or other factors may make it difficult for you to breathe through your nose. As you breathe through your mouth, your airway may become irritated and inflamed, causing you to experience breathing disruptions.
Physicians
Take a Sleep Study
