Sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of the soft tissue in your throat, making it hard to breathe while asleep. However, there are a number of risk factors that can trigger sleep apnea episodes, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
You should consult a dentist in Spring, TX, as soon as you identify any symptoms of sleep apnea. Unless properly diagnosed and treated, sleep apnea can be dangerous and increase the risk for various other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain.
Let us now see into the top 8 factors that increase the risk of sleep apnea.
- Obesity
Obesity is a very common risk factor for sleep apnea. In fact, obese people have an increased risk of sleep apnea because the extra fat in their necks and throats makes it hard for them to breathe.
- Smoking
Smoking is also one of the risk factors for sleep apnea. As you smoke, your mouth tissues become inflamed and thinner, making it harder for your throat muscles to widen in order to allow air to pass through.
- Excess Alcohol
Excess alcohol is a well-known risk factor for sleep apnea. It is because people who drink more than 4 to 6 drinks per day increase their risk of sleep apnea.
- Neck circumference
A large neck circumference increases the risk of sleep apnea. Studies have shown that people with a larger neck size are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea episodes because of their less flexible necks.
- A narrowed airway
A narrowed airway is another risk factor for sleep apnea. The narrow airway can cause the soft tissue in your throat to collapse, making it hard to breathe.
- Being male
Men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Studies show that men have a higher number of sleep apnea episodes than women.
- Age
As we age, our soft tissue becomes weaker and less elastic. This means that our throats become less able to expand and swell in order to allow better airflow. As a result, people over 40 suffer from more sleep apnea episodes than those who are younger or older.
- Family history
People suffering from sleep apnea are more likely to have family members with sleep apnea. Studies show that if your parents or siblings have sleep apnea, you are more likely to develop it too.