Sleep Apnea 101: Learn About the Most Common Causes
Despite that fact that sleep apnea is actually very common, many people don’t know much about it. There are a number of potential causes and a number of factors that make it more likely for a person to get sleep apnea or make the condition worse if they have it.
Sleep apnea is all about breathing. If you have it, then your breathing is either shallow or obstructed while you sleep, which means you have pauses in your breathing and you’re not getting a good night’s rest. At California Dental Group, we can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Read on to learn more about it and then contact us at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
Your age and gender are deciding factors
Though people of all ages can develop and suffer from sleep apnea, studies show that people between the ages of 40 and 60 are the most affected. Men are also much more likely to have sleep apnea. In fact, on in 25 of men between the ages of 40 and 60 have sleep apnea while only one in 50 women in this same age group have sleep apnea.
Narrow airways are common amongst people with sleep apnea
Some people are simply born with airways or throats that are narrower than average. This can be such a large problem that surgery is needed to correct it. However, most people simply need to note that they have a narrow airway so that they can suggest their dentist keep an eye on the potential for sleep apnea.
Drinking alcohol at night or smoking can increase your chances
Alcohol is a depressant and as such it relaxes the muscles. When it makes the throat muscles relax, it makes your airway more collapsible – which can lead to breathing issues. They can cause or worsen sleep apnea. Studies have also found that a person who smokes is more than two times as likely to have sleep apnea compared to a person who doesn’t smoke.
Overweight people are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea
There are many health issues associated with extra weight, including sleep apnea. This is because when a person has excess soft fat tissue, it can narrow their windpipe. This then prevents appropriate airflow. In fact, more than half of the people who suffer from sleep apnea are overweight.
Having other allergies can mean you’re more susceptible to sleep apnea
It’s not a surprise that a person who has allergies or another type of nasal congestion is also more likely to have sleep apnea, since both can cause issues with breathing. If you find that your nasal passages are regularly obstructed then that may be a direct cause of your sleep apnea.
If you’re wondering if you have sleep apnea, or if you know you do and simply want help, then your California dentist may be the answer. Contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 today to make an appointment with an experienced professional.
