When most people think of the sleep disorder, sleep apnea, there are typically two things that come to mind; age and weight. And, while these are undoubtedly two major risk factors, you don’t have to be over-the-hill or overweight to suffer from the disorder. In fact, there are a variety of other health conditions and outside factors that can encourage muscle relaxation or – in the case of central sleep apnea – your brain. Are you at risk for sleep apnea? If you know you are, it’s likely that you’ll seek a diagnosis before the disorder can cause any further health complications. On the other hand, if you aren’t sure, the disorder could easily go undiagnosed (or misdiagnosed).
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
As a quick refresher – there are two types of apnea; obstructive and central. Both occur when your body and brain are lacking oxygen during your sleep cycle, causing you to abruptly awake, sometimes gasping for air. However, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when your throat muscles relax, decreasing the size of your airway (if not closing it altogether). Central sleep apnea is entirely different, although, keep in mind it is possible to have both forms simultaneously. In this case, your brain is behind the lack of oxygen, as it fails to transmit the proper signals to your body so it’s unaware that you need to breathe.
Commonly Overlooked Risks
There are only a few things that can affect your likelihood for central sleep apnea – it is far less common than obstructive, after all. While older age has a lot to do with it, your risk can be drastically increased if you have congestive heart failure, a stroke, or a prolonged exposure to narcotic medications.
When it comes to OSA, on the other hand, the list starts with obesity and excess weight, but your family history and even unhealthy habits could impact your sleep cycle. For example, smoking tobacco can increase inflammation in your airway and with the added restriction, you’re more likely to experience breathing cessations due to airway blockage. Additionally, alcohol (or the use of sedatives), narrow airway, and congestion can all decrease the oxygen intake while sleeping.
The lack of oxygen associated with this sleep disorder can lead to many other health complications that can be incredibly dangerous. If you’re concerned you may be at-risk, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
