Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? If so, it’s important to take whatever steps you can to get the issue under control before it can lead to life-threatening problems. One thing you definitely need to do is identify any variables that could make your sleep disorder even more severe. Your sleep dentist is here to help by explaining 5 factors that can potentially worsen your sleep apnea.
1. Obesity
Obesity and sleep apnea are often very closely connected. People who are overweight tend to have more fat deposits in their necks; said deposits can easily end up blocking the airway, thus resulting in the breathing pauses associated with sleep apnea. In many cases, losing weight can go a long way toward making your sleep apnea less severe. It’s therefore worth making the extra effort to shed a few pounds by exercising more often and eating a balanced diet.
2. Sleeping On Your Back
When you have sleep apnea, you need to be mindful of your regular sleeping position and how it could affect the quality of your slumber. Sleeping on your back could make your sleep apnea worse due to the tongue falling back and obstructing the airway. It’s generally better to sleep on your side to reduce the chances of your breathing being disrupted.
3. Alcohol
Sleep apnea is often the result of muscles in the throat becoming too relaxed and blocking the airway. Alcohol can potentially make this problem worse, as it can cause the muscles to relax even further. It’s highly recommended that you stay away from any sort of alcoholic beverage for at least a few hours before you go to bed.
4. Certain Types of Medications
There are several types of medications that are known to relax the muscles, and as such they can end up inadvertently making your sleep apnea worse. Are you taking muscle relaxants, opioids, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids? If so, they could be having an adverse effect on the quality of your slumber; talk to your doctor to see what they recommend.
5. Age
Not all of the factors that contribute to sleep apnea are within your control. In many cases, the simple process of getting older can make your sleep-disordered breathing worse. As you age, the muscles in your throat become weaker, thus increasing the chances of an airway collapse. The best thing to try and mitigate the impact of aging on your sleep is to maintain good health habits, such as exercising regularly.
Managing your sleep apnea is much easier when you’re aware of all the factors that can contribute to the issue. Talk to your sleep dentist to see if they can help you identify anything else that may be interfering with your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
About the Author
Dr. Keane Fedosky has more than two decades of experience using oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and belongs to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He is fully dedicated to helping his patients in Plano overcome their sleep disorders. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Fedosky at Sleep Rehab, visit his website or call (972) 753-3737.