Every night, millions of people miss out on countless hours of rest because of sleep apnea; and what’s even more alarming is that many more cases go completely undiagnosed! But sleep apnea doesn’t just prevent you from getting a good night’s rest—it can sometimes lead to serious health concerns if left untreated. That said, keep reading to learn more about this condition and why it’s seemingly on the rise, along with some tips for lowering your risk of developing it.
What Is Sleep Apnea and Why Is It on the Rise?
To put it simply, sleep apnea is a common but serious disorder that causes your breathing to pause or become shallow while you’re sleeping. These pauses can sometimes last for 10 seconds or longer and can occur as often as 30 times in an hour! When it happens, your body must wake up to normalize your breathing, causing you to exit deep sleep and miss out on your much-needed rest. Although this condition affects many people, diagnosing it can sometimes be tricky; so how is it on the rise?
Sleep apnea can stem from a variety of different causes, but the most common one by far is obesity. When fat accumulates in the neck and increases its circumference, the airway becomes narrower and the increase in pressure can cause it to partially collapse during sleep. And as obesity rates continue to rise in the US and abroad, it’s no surprise that sleep apnea is becoming more commonly diagnosed.
Other notable contributors to sleep apnea include smoking and tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and existing medical conditions or family history. However, it’s important to note that the medical community is becoming increasingly more adept at diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. Between improved screening techniques and technological advancements, coupled with easily identifiable symptoms like snoring and grinding or clenching your teeth, it’s no surprise that more patients are being diagnosed and opting for treatment.
Tips for Lowering Your Risk of Developing Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to actively lower your risk of developing sleep apnea. In turn, this helps to protect you from serious potential health concerns including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic fatigue and more. Consider the following:
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a hearty diet.
- Stop smoking or using tobacco products.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and be mindful of certain medications.
- Don’t sleep on your back—opt for sleeping on your side instead.
- Identify other potential causes of sleep disruption (loud noises, a worn mattress, light entering the room, or an inadequate bedtime routine).
- Visit a specialist for a sleep study. Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can seek treatment including oral appliances, CPAP machines, and more.
With sleep apnea on the rise, it’s important to evaluate the quality of your own rest and ensure that you’re getting enough of it. The complications that can develop because of untreated sleep apnea are simply not worth it; talk with your specialist if you’re interested in receiving treatment and getting back to bed.
About the Author
A Texas native herself, Dr. Melody Stampe proudly serves patients and families in the Richardson area. Dr. Stampe received her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. She is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry! Her practice is pleased to offer many available services, including sleep apnea treatment. If you have any questions for Dr. Stampe or would like to schedule a visit, please visit her website or give her a call at (972) 231-9499.