Nearly 30 million people in the United States are suffering from sleep apnea, and the prevalence of the disorder only seems to increase as time goes on. Fortunately, though, general knowledge about sleep apnea has grown as well; doctors are now much more likely to recognize potential warning signs for it, and testing is becoming more accurate. That said, if you want to avoid hypertension, increased blood pressure, and other health issues connected to sleep apnea in Baytown, it’s important to know what factors could be putting you at risk – as well as what you can do to improve the quality of your sleep.
What are Some of the Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea tends to be closely linked to obesity. This is thought to be at least partly due to excess fat that tends to accumulate around the neck. As the fat builds up, the airway becomes narrower, meaning it’s more likely to become repeatedly blocked while you’re asleep. (For this reason, there’s a very good chance that the increased prevalence of sleep apnea is partially a result of a rise in obesity.)
Other risk factors include:
- An airway that is naturally narrow
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids that have yet to be removed
- Suffering from nasal congestion at night
- Using cigarettes or other tobacco products
- Suffering from asthma, diabetes, and certain other health conditions
- Being a man or a postmenopausal woman
- Having a history of family members with sleep apnea
How Can You Lower the Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Keeping your weight under control can go a long way towards keeping your airways clear and preventing sleep apnea. In fact, if you’re already suffering from the disorder, weight loss can sometimes eliminate it altogether!
You can also make a few other lifestyle changes. For instance, if you smoke, stopping can dramatically decrease your sleep apnea risk. And if you’re suffering from asthma, chronic nasal congestion, or other health issues that could lead to a sleep disorder, it’s vital that you seek the appropriate forms of treatment right away.
Here are a few other ways you can try and lower your risk of sleep apnea:
- Practice yoga to improve respiratory strength through various breathing exercises.
- Change your sleeping position; sleeping on your back tends to worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your bedroom. (Dry air irritates the respiratory system, but a humidifier can help open the airways.)
Even if you do take precautionary steps, you could still end up suffering from sleep apnea at some point. If you suspect that you might have the disorder, get in touch with your sleep dentist in Baytown right away and start figuring out your next steps for seeking a diagnosis and treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto was born in Baytown, and he started his first dental practice after his graduated from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston in 1992. He has continued to pursue further advanced education, and he is currently a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He is highly experienced in using oral appliances to treat sleep apnea. If you think you might be suffering from a sleep disorder, you can contact his practice, Sleep Better Baytown, through his website or by calling (281) 422-8249.