Do you have sleep apnea? In addition to having difficulty staying asleep throughout the night, this sleep disorder can cause various symptoms during the day, like drowsiness, lack of focus, mood changes, and more! It can even increase your risk of serious health issues, like cardiovascular disease. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to improve your sleep apnea and avoid bad habits. Here are some things that can make sleep apnea worse.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can worsen sleep apnea. This is because excess weight results in excess tissue in the airway. This pressure increases the likelihood of your airway becoming obstructed. If you are significantly overweight, talk to your doctor about ways that you can work towards a healthier weight.
Alcohol
Alcohol relaxes the muscles. This can create issues for those who deal with sleep apnea. Drinking before bed can cause your airway to relax too much, leading to obstruction. If you are struggling with sleep apnea, it is best to limit your alcohol intake or abstain from drinking altogether.
Back Sleeping
The position in which you are sleeping impacts how severe your sleep apnea is. In most cases, sleeping on your back worsens sleep apnea, while sleeping on your side can lessen episodes. This is because when you are lying on your back, your tongue and soft palate tend to fall back to the throat, increasing breathing difficulties.
Menopause
When women reach menopause, it’s common to experience a decrease in the production of certain hormones. This can result in various physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes and mood changes. It can also result in breathing issues, like sleep apnea.
Some Medications
Some prescription medications, like muscle relaxants and pain relievers, particularly opioids, can worsen sleep apnea. If you suspect that your medication could be contributing to obstructive sleep apnea, this is something to bring up with your doctor.
Some Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can have a significant impact on sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can in turn worsen other medical conditions, like your heart health and blood pressure.
Aging
As you get older, it’s natural to lose muscle tone all over your body. This includes your airway. This loss of muscle tone can increase your risk of obstruction, worsening sleep apnea and its symptoms. While you can’t help getting older, maintaining healthy lifestyle choices can make a huge difference.
If you have sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional. By receiving a diagnosis and getting the treatment you need, you can work toward getting the high-quality sleep you need at night to thrive during the day!
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Pitarra earned her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Over the years, she has remained committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. She is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. To learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule an appointment at her office in Corpus Christi, visit her website or call (361) 855-7171.