Sleep Apnea Causes And Risk Factors Article

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Sleep Apnea Causes and Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition affecting millions of Canadians. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping in your sleep, and periods during sleep where breath ceases entirely.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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The consequences of these symptoms can be daytime drowsiness, cognitive disruptions, severe mood swings, and a larger risk for serious issues such as heart failure and high blood pressure. If you notice any of the symptoms of sleep apnea or if symptoms occurring while you sleep are brought to your attention, you should schedule an appointment with a sleep apnea specialist in your area as soon as possible.

Causes of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat over relax. These muscles support your uvula, soft palate, tonsils, and tongue. When these muscles over relax, the airways narrow, making it impossible for oxygen to enter your lungs. This, in turn, results in a restless sleep as you are awoken several times to readjust your body and reopen airways.
You may not remember waking up several times in the night. You may not be aware of snoring or a cessation of breathing during your sleep. These are often symptoms that are brought to your attention by a loved one. However, if you suffer from the daytime effects of sleep apnea such as drowsiness or depression, you may want to check your risk factors to see if sleep apnea could be the culprit.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Some instances of sleep apnea are genetic. For example, people with naturally thick necks or narrow airways are more likely to develop this condition. But many risk factors for sleep apnea are the result of lifestyle choices.

Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
• Obesity – fat deposits around the neck can obstruct airflow
• High blood pressure – people with hypertension are more likely to develop this disorder
• Alcohol and sedative use – sedatives can encourage your throat to over relax
• Smoking – smokers are three times as likely to develop sleep apnea due to excess fluid accumulation in the throat caused by cigarette smoke
• Prolonged periods of sitting – fluids that accumulate in your legs during long periods of inactivity can shift into your throat at night

Additional risk factors include being male, being over the age of 65, and having a family history of sleep apnea.

Fortunately, with simple lifestyle changes and the assistance of a sleep apnea specialist in your area, most cases of sleep apnea can be treated. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, make an appointment with a sleep apnea dentist today to learn about your options for treatment.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea in or around Calgary, Alberta, please visit the website of Aesthetic Dental Studio for more information on your treatment options.

www.aestheticdentalstudio.ca

About Author

At Aesthetic Dental Studio we treat our patients as though they are a part of our family. We provide a comfortable environment for all of our clients to ensure that everyone enjoys their visit here at our office serving Calgary, Alberta, Northwest Calgary and Airdrie.

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Sleep Apnea Causes and Risk Factors