Why Sleep Apnea is on the Rise and How to Fight Back

In recent years, the number of sleep apnea diagnoses have been on the rise. There are several factors that can contribute to the condition. Continue reading to find out what increases the risk of sleep apnea in Southlake and discover how expert treatment from a sleep dentist can help you recover.

What is Sleep Apnea?

People who suffer from sleep apnea experience frequent stoppages in breathing throughout the night that break their sleep and leave them feeling tired and lethargic the next day. The most common form of the condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here are some of its more common indicators:

• Snoring
• Teeth grinding
• Sore throat upon waking
• Headaches upon waking
• Nighttime gasping for air
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Sweating and chest pain while sleeping
• Waking up and feeling unrefreshed in the morning
• Heartburn, gastric reflux or sour taste in the mouth at night

The Contributing Factors

For people with OSA, the airway becomes partially blocked while they sleep, which triggers the bouts of apnea. The following can exacerbate the issue:

Excessive Weight Gain

Being overweight can cause increased neck girth and the accumulation of fat deposits around the airway. As a result, the throat muscles can become flaccid, a sign of which is loud snoring.

A Narrowed Airway

This can sometimes be a hereditary condition that makes it difficult for air to flow when sleeping. It can be made worse if the tonsils and adenoids become swollen.

Gender

Studies show that men over the age of 45 are two-thirds more likely than women of the same age group to develop sleep apnea. Researchers have yet to discover the reason for this.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption can cause the throat muscles to overly relax, inhibiting air flow while sleeping. Drinking before bed can be especially problematic.

Smoking

Smokers are three times more likely to develop OSA than people who have never smoked. This can partly be attributed to tobacco usage increasing the amount of upper airway inflammation and fluid retention.

If you’re dealing with OSA, addressing the above factors will help in getting relief. It’s also important to seek professional treatment. Start by letting your doctor know of any indicating symptoms. If you’re diagnosed with the condition, a sleep dentist can help you recover by treating it with a CPAP machine or a custom oral appliance.

The sooner you take action, the better rest you can experience. This will lead to improved overall health and a better quality of life.

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He has since gone on to provide over 30 years of competent and comprehensive dental care. To stay abreast of the latest techniques in dentistry, Dr. Pettigrew takes hours of continuing education annually. Additionally, he has earned Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He treats sleep apnea at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.