More people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea in recent years – especially in the United States. This is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to cease repetitively throughout the night. Sleep apnea isn’t just dangerous. It also seems to be becoming more common. Read on to learn more about sleep apnea, why it is on the rise, its risk factors, and how those risks can be combatted.
Why Is Sleep Apnea on the Rise?
Sleep apnea diagnoses are becoming more common. For many patients, this condition can be tied to one of the most common risk factors: obesity. When one has excess body weight, it contributes to sleep apnea by putting more pressure on the upper airway during sleep. This can cause the airway to collapse and breathing temporarily stops.
Obesity has become more common all over the world, but especially in the United States. It is generally due to the population consuming more high-calorie, high-fat foods as well as limited physical activity. Process foods that contain a lot of sugar, sodium, and artificial ingredients can ultimately take a toll on your health. When you stick to a nutritious diet and exercise regularly, you can significantly reduce your risk of sleeping apnea and other dangerous health conditions.
What Are the Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea?
Apart from obesity, there are a variety of factors that can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Old age
- Smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol use
- Some medications
- Large adenoid or tonsils
- Misaligned or small lower jaw
How Can You Combat the Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea?
For many people, making lifestyle changes is enough to prevent the onset of sleep apnea. Here are some steps that you can take at home to lower your risk:
- Lose Weight: If you are overweight, losing excess weight can help to relieve constriction of the airway.
- Exercise: Exercising can help to improve your condition.
- Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can worsen obstructive sleep apnea and sleepiness. This is also the case with anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills.
- Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to block your airway. Try sleeping on your side instead.
- Keep Your Nasal Passages Open: If you have the tendency to get congested, try using a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages open. You could also talk to your doctor about nasal decongestants or antihistamines.
Sleep apnea cases may be increasing, but it isn’t too late to take steps to prevent it for you. By making healthy lifestyle choices and being mindful of your risk factors, you may be able to keep sleep apnea at bay.
About the Practice
At True North Dental Group, Dr. Carl Gerner and Dr. Craig Heins work together to treat patients in the Plattsburgh area. If you are showing signs of sleep apnea, they would be happy to help! To learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (518) 563-7620.