Sleep apnea is significantly more severe than snoring like a grizzly bear and waking up your lover at night. It is dangerous to your health and could lead to further problems. However, because sleep apnea happens when you sleep, you are likely to be completely unconscious that you have a problem. Luckily for you, several warning indicators can be seen in broad daylight, including grogginess throughout the day, trouble concentrating, morning headaches and dry mouth, etc. While this sleep problem could affect virtually anybody, a few things can raise your risk. Continue reading to discover some of the most prevalent risk factors for sleep apnea Surprise and how they relate to it.

Obesity

If you are obese or overweight, you will develop fatty deposits in your neck because of your excess weight. The deposits obstruct your previously relaxed upper airway, compelling your body to force air down narrow passageways. Besides, being overweight could put undue strain on your chest cavity, resulting in reduced lung volume.

Worse still, being overweight is both a risk factor for sleep apnea and a resulting symptom. Sleep deprivation decreases leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone, and raises ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone. Thus, if your weight is not under control, you can readily get caught in the cycle of obesity and sleep apnea.

Gender

According to studies, men are twice as likely as women to suffer from sleep apnea. Although not proven, some theories claim that men are more vulnerable to the condition because their airways are larger and formed distinctively than women’s, rendering them susceptible to collapse while sleeping.

Aging

As you age, your muscles slowly start weakening. Therefore, it is typical for your airways to collapse while asleep, leading to sleep apnea.

Family History

Sleep apnea is frequently traced back to your ancestors. You may be a descendant of a long string of sleep apnea victims, or you could inherit an excessively thick neck or small throat from your forebears. Having adenoids or huge tonsils could also constrict your airways; thus, resulting in sleep apnea. 

Medical Problems

There is a full scope of health disorders that could cause or worsen sleep apnea. If you have type 2 diabetes, cardiac failure, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome, past strokes, chronic lung illness, hormonal abnormalities, or Parkinson’s disease, you are susceptible to sleep apnea. Even minor ailments such as chronic nasal congestion or allergies can hasten the onset of sleep apnea and associated symptoms.

Substance Intake

Sleep apnea can sometimes be caused by the dangerous things you consume. For instance, if you take sedatives or other muscle relaxants, you run the danger of not breathing correctly at night. Likewise, alcohol relaxes your airways and throat, making breathing harder.

In addition, the chemicals that constitute cigarettes enhance full retention and swelling in the upper airway. As a result, whenever you light up, you could be feeding the fires of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea may make life difficult. You may fall asleep at the wheel, or even have difficulties concentrating at work. However, as annoying as these symptoms can be under normal conditions, the good news is that there is a treatment for your sleep apnea if you recognize one or more of these risk factors. At Oasis Ear, Nose, and Throat, the expert staff addresses both obstructive and central sleep apnea using various treatments, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances, and, if necessary, surgery. Call the Surprise, AZ office or schedule a consultation online to determine what care option is right for you.