Have you ever wondered if you are at risk for sleep apnea? So, you’ve read that sleep apnea can be a deadly disease, but is highly preventable with proper treatment. That’s right. Stop searching the Internet for answers because we have some to share with you here. As you know, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing pathways through the mouth, nose or throat are collapsed or blocked. These airways are susceptible to blockages or collapse as the muscle tone lining these pathways relax during sleep.
With that being said, who is at risk for sleep apnea? Let’s take a closer look:
People at Risk
Overweight individuals are the most at risk for experiencing sleep apnea due to excess tissue, which may place pressure on the airway. More than half of those with sleep apnea are classified as overweight—an issue we need to tackle. Your risk for developing sleep apnea significantly increases with increased weight, age and those with diabetes, as well as smokers.
You may also be susceptible to sleep apnea if you have a constricted shape or small size of features in the nose, mouth or throat. Allergies and other medical conditions can also cause features along the airway to restrict the flow of oxygen. On the other hand, sleep apnea is often more common in men than women. It is also more common among African Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders than Caucasians. Sleep apnea can also occur during pregnancy and following menopause.
Contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information and to find out if you have sleep apnea.
