Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea – Mesquite, TX
Know Your Risks for Developing Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can affect people of any age, gender, or body type, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk of developing it. Here’s a closer look at a few risk factors that may increase your odds, as familiarizing yourself with them can help you remain vigilant about your health and prevent many of the dangerous side effects characteristic of this disorder.
To learn more about sleep apnea or to see if you qualify for treatment, please contact OS Dental for more information.
Age
Although sleep apnea can begin as early as childhood, it most frequently affects people who are considered middle-aged. In fact, your risk of developing sleep apnea rises quickly after age 30, and peaks between the ages of 45 and 64. Data even suggests the prevalence of this condition more than doubles in seniors.
Genetics
Genetics play an important role in sleep apnea. Certain factors such as facial structure (including the shape of your airway and size of your jaw), body fat distribution, muscle tone, and breathing patterns can all increase your risk of developing it. In fact, if your either of your parents have sleep apnea, your risk of developing it yourself increases by approximately 50 percent.
Obesity
Obesity is the primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with between 60 and 90 percent of all OSA patients categorized as being overweight or obese. In fact, it is estimated that 40 to 70 percent of people with obesity also have OSA.
Excess fat around the neck and abdomen can cause the airway to narrow and decrease lung function, leading to the collapse of the airway when sleeping. Studies have shown that even just a 10 percent weight gain can increase your risk of developing OSA by six times.
Smoking
Smoking can significantly increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. This is due to the excess inflammation, swelling and increased mucus production in your upper airway. Smokers are three times more likely to develop sleep apnea than non-smokers. Worse yet, because nicotine also acts as a stimulant, it can also cause sleep disruptions and relax your airway muscles, increasing snoring and decreasing oxygen saturation levels.
Gender
Although more prevalent in men, sleep apnea can still affect both genders. Unfortunately, it is also easily missed in women, because they are more likely to experience subtle symptoms like depression, fatigue or insomnia, while men exhibit more common and noticeable symptoms such as snoring or gasping for air and overweight/ obesity.