If you are having difficulty sleeping at night because you are having trouble breathing regularly, you might be experiencing the effects of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder which can affect anyone. However, certain factors can put you at higher risk of developing this sleep disorder. Let’s take a look at just a few of these factors.
Overall Health: The efficiency of your airway can be affected by your body type and health. If you struggle with weight issues, the fat deposits in your upper body can actually impede your airway. And if you have a thicker neck, your airway will also be narrower.
Aging and Gender: If you are male, you are twice as likely to develop sleep apnea as your female counterpart, even though women’s risk increases after menopause. As you age, sleep apnea is more common if your body has undergone physical changes.
Genes: You can inherit sleep apnea from your forebears. If your family has a history of sleep apnea, you may want to research symptoms and treatment in case you find yourself in their shoes.
Habits: If you have developed healthy habits, you are less at risk for sleep apnea. Conversely, if you smoke, drink, take muscle relaxers for other conditions, you will be more at risk for developing sleep apnea.
If you feel you are experiencing sleep apnea, we can help. Our treatments may be just what you need to get back to sleep again. We invite you to call Dr. James Bieneman at 303.421.2696 for more information. Our Craniofacial Pain Center Of Colorado team in Arvada, Colorado is happy to help you experience the relief you deserve!