Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring, though your sleep partner might be getting tired of nudging you or pushing you over to one side to stop the noise. There are risk factors that make it more likely for a person to have this condition. If you’re one of the many, consider treatment for sleep apnea in West Bradenton, FL.

Physical and Anatomical Factors

Certain physical traits make some individuals more susceptible to sleep apnea. A narrow airway, large tonsils or an elongated soft palate can obstruct airflow during sleep. Excess weight is another major factor, as fat deposits around the neck can put pressure on the airway, making breathing more difficult. This factor is worsened when lying in a prone condition, like when the person lays down on their back to go to sleep.

Lifestyle and Health Conditions

Smoking and alcohol use, especially during the evening hours leading up to going to bed, can also worsen the condition. Then again, having bad habits like smoking causes inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, while alcohol relaxes throat muscles, making it easier for the airway to become blocked. There are all kinds of reasons to quit smoking and drinking and to improve lifestyle habits. Sleep apnea is but one of them.

Underlying medical conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic nasal congestion, can also contribute to sleep apnea. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome, may further increase the risk.

Age, Gender and Family History

Sleep apnea becomes more common with age, particularly in adults over 40. Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, although the risk for women increases after menopause. A family history of sleep apnea may also indicate a genetic predisposition to airway obstruction and breathing difficulties during sleep.

Recognizing risk factors is the first step toward early diagnosis and treatment with your orthodontist in West Bradenton, FL. If sleep apnea symptoms are present, seeking professional care can improve sleep quality and overall health.