7 Factors That Worsen Your Sleep Apnea

Do you have sleep apnea? In addition to having difficulty staying asleep throughout the night, this common sleep disorder can cause various symptoms during the day, like drowsiness, lack of focus, mood changes, and more. It can even increase your risk of serious health issues, like cardiovascular disease. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to improve your sleep apnea and avoid bad habits. Here are some things that can make sleep apnea worse.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese can worsen sleep apnea. This is because excess weight results in excess tissue in the airway. This pressure increases the likelihood of your airway becoming obstructed. If you are significantly overweight, talk to your doctor about ways that you can work toward a healthier weight.

Alcohol

Alcohol relaxes the muscles. This can create issues for those who deal with sleep apnea. Drinking before bed can cause your airway to relax too much, leading to obstruction. If you are struggling with sleep apnea, it is best to limit your alcohol intake or abstain from drinking altogether.

Back Sleeping

The position in which you are sleeping impacts how severe your sleep apnea is. In most cases, sleeping on your back worsens sleep apnea, while sleeping on your side can lessen episodes. This is because when you are lying on your back, your tongue and soft palate tend to fall back to the throat, increasing breathing difficulties.

Menopause

When women reach menopause, it is common to experience a decrease in the production of certain hormones. This can result in various physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes and mood changes. It can also result in breathing issues, like sleep apnea.

Medications

Some prescription medications, like muscle relaxants and pain relievers, particularly opioids, can worsen sleep apnea. If you suspect that your medication could be contributing to obstructive sleep apnea, this is something to bring up with your doctor.

Medical Conditions

Some health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, can have a significant impact on sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can also worsen other medical conditions, including heart health and blood pressure.

Aging

As you get older, it’s natural to lose muscle tone all over your body. This includes your airway. This loss of muscle tone can increase your risk of obstruction, worsening sleep apnea and its symptoms. While you can’t help getting older, maintaining healthy lifestyle choices can make a huge difference.

If you have sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms, it is best to work with your sleep dentist. By receiving a diagnosis and getting the treatment you need, you can work toward getting the high-quality sleep you need at night to thrive during the day.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Held earned his dental doctorate from the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha. A sufferer of sleep apnea himself, he decided to dedicate his career to treating sleep apnea. He has taken over 800 hours of continuing education and is a proud Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in Northern Arizona. He has several offices in Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Sedona, Kingman, and Prescott Valley. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (928) 778-4555.