Top 5 Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a debilitating condition that causes sufferers to stop breathing and wake up multiple times during the night. It also has a host of other symptoms, including impaired daytime functioning and an increased risk of accidents. The most common cause is obesity, so it makes sense that people lose weight in order to get better sleep. But how exactly do you know if you have sleep apnea? It’s not as clear-cut as one might think.
You might need to consult a dentist in Spring, TX if you have any symptoms of sleep apnea. A dentist can evaluate your mouth and see if there is any correlation between the two. If so, they can refer you to a dentist who specializes in sleep apnea. They will be able to tell you more about this condition and its severity. Dental professionals can also give you helpful treatment options for sleep apnea, including dental appliances and other oral care products.
Let us now see into the top 5 causes of sleep apnea.
- Obesity
Sleep apnea can be caused by obesity. At one time or another and as the result of a medical condition or genetic predisposition, most obese people experience some kind of snoring. Sleeping with a large neck in front of the airway, coupled with a shallow airway, may be reason enough to cause sleep apnea.
- Narrowed airways
This is the only way that we can explain why some people suffer from sleep apnea. It may seem illogical, but it is true. Having narrowed airways in the nose and throat actually make it more difficult to breathe. This leads to a lack of oxygen, which in turn induces sleep apnea.
- Family history
If you or a member of your family has sleep apnea, you are at high risk of developing this condition yourself. Sleep apnea can be genetic, which means if your parents or siblings have it, you may have inherited it from them.
- Alcohol consumption
It is better to avoid alcohol before bedtime. Alcohol relaxes the body, which can hinder efforts to breathe when asleep. You should also avoid other sedatives without consulting your doctor or dentist.
- Smoking
For many, smoking can lead to a lot of health problems. The most dangerous are respiratory diseases, which include sleep apnea. This is because the nicotine in cigarettes narrows the airway and restricts the flow of oxygen into your system.
