Understanding Sleep Apnea: Why It’s on the Rise and How to Prevent It

Did you know that more and more people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea? In fact, recent studies suspect that 30 million people in the U.S. have this sleep disorder! This condition causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. With it becoming more prevalent, it’s important to know why cases are rising. Continue reading to learn more about sleep apnea, common risk factors, and what you can do about it.

Why Are More People Struggling with Sleep Apnea?

The truth is, one of the most common risk factors of this condition is obesity. Weight plays a role because it can put extra pressure on the upper airway as you sleep. It can cause the airway to collapse and temporarily stop breathing. The body then wakes up to ensure that airflow continues.

Obesity is becoming more common worldwide, but especially so in the U.S. This is because of the abundance of high-calorie, high-fat foods and reduced physical activity. There is a lot of sugar, artificial ingredients, and sodium in processed foods, which can take a toll on your health. It’s important to follow a balanced diet and exercise to reduce your risk of not only sleep apnea, but also other serious health problems.

What Are Other Risks of Sleep Apnea?

With all that being said, other factors can leave you at a higher risk of developing this condition. Here are some notable ones:

• Large tonsils
• Alcohol use at bedtime
• Small lower jaw
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Old age
• Family history of sleep apnea

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Sleep Apnea?

An effective way to lower your risk of sleep apnea is to make some lifestyle changes. For instance, you can:

• Manage Your Weight: This can be beneficial for not only this condition’s symptoms but also your overall health.
• Get Regular Exercise: By incorporating exercise into your routine, you can help lose weight and improve your condition.
• Limit Alcohol and Sleeping Pills: These can worsen sleep apnea and make you feel drowsier in the morning.
• Change Sleeping Position: If you tend to sleep on your back, it can cause your tongue and soft palate to block your airway. Instead, you can lie on your side.
• Deal with Nasal Congestion: You can try to use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages open, but you can also talk to your doctor about decongestants and other potential remedies.

Even though more and more people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can avoid it by finding your risk factors and making the changes you need to avoid it! Following a healthy lifestyle at home can help keep this condition at bay and let you get the undisturbed sleep you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. John Moneyhun earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at MUSC. He trained with expert clinicians to learn the most up-to-date techniques and state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Moneyhun is dedicated to giving his patients the things they need to deal with their sleep apnea. By finding the right solution for you, he wants you to wake up every morning feeling rested. To learn more about how Dr. Moneyhun can help you with sleep apnea, schedule an appointment or call us at (864) 800-1691.