Sleep Apnea Is on the Rise — Are You at Risk?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a dangerous disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. It can affect virtually every aspect of your health! Even more startling, many practitioners have noticed that OSA has become more common in recent years. Estimates even suggest that it could afflict nearly 77 million Americans by 2050! Are you at risk of becoming one of its victims? This blog post discusses sleep apnea risk factors and shares information on how you can protect the quality of your nightly sleep.

Are You at Risk for OSA?

OSA can affect people from a wide range of backgrounds, yet certain groups are more likely to experience it. Here are some of the most prominent risk factors:

• Excess body weight: Carrying extra weight, especially around your neck, can put pressure on your airway, making obstructions more likely while you sleep.
• Getting older: As you age, the muscles in your throat and airway may weaken, which increases the chance of breathing interruptions during the night.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can irritate and inflame your upper airway, raising resistance and increasing your risk for OSA.
• Biological sex: Males face a higher risk of OSA; however, women’s risk increases significantly after menopause due to hormonal changes.

If you find that you belong to one or more of these categories, you should monitor your sleep closely. Common symptoms of OSA include excessive daytime fatigue, loud snoring, and episodes where someone notices you stop breathing during sleep.

Practical Steps to Lower Your Risk and Manage Symptoms

While sleep apnea is very dangerous, the good news is that there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk and/or keep your symptoms under control:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss can improve your breathing at night and decrease the severity of sleep apnea.
• Stay active: Regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms and enhance your overall respiratory health, regardless of weight loss.
• Address airway congestion: Allergies and nasal congestion can worsen sleep apnea. Consider using appropriate medications or making environmental changes, such as deep cleaning your bedroom, to minimize these issues.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices: Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake can reduce your risk of developing OSA or help you manage current symptoms more effectively.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

Of course, one of the most important things you can do if you suspect you have OSA is seek professional care. Your doctor can help you arrange for a sleep test, which will provide valuable information about your condition. Then, you can explore treatment options. Many patients find that a custom oral appliance from a sleep test is the most convenient and comfortable way to manage their symptoms.

Sleep apnea is a very real threat! Be mindful of risk factors, and take appropriate action to protect your sleep quality.

Meet the Practice

Drs. Yitta Garden and Kenneth Mogell are both board-certified sleep dentists with a wealth of experience. They specialize in providing oral appliance therapy for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. If you are concerned that you may have OSA, our team can guide you on your next steps! Contact our Boca Raton location at 561-353-5252.