You may have lots of questions about what’s causing your sleep apnea and whether you definitely require sleep apnea treatment. Of course, if you’re experiencing this sleep disorder, it is always to your benefit to begin treatment ASAP, so you can breathe successfully and sleep soundly through the night. This impacts not only your daily energy but also your overall health. As for what’s going on behind the scenes to make the disorder happen? Well, it’s multifaceted. A visit with our Livonia, MI team may shed more light on your unique situation. For now, we’d like to answer some common questions that will be of help.
Will It Only Happen If I’m Overweight?
Nope. Of course, carrying excess weight is a factor that can make your sleep apnea worse or that can make you more likely to experience this sleep disorder. However, it is also possible to maintain your ideal weight and to experience the sleep problem. With that said, shedding excess weight may potentially help you decrease the severity of your sleep disorder.
Will It Stop If I Give Up Caffeine? Smoking?
If you stop drinking caffeine and smoking altogether, it is likely that you may still have sleep apnea. However, it is also likely that things will get much better. When you make such changes in conjunction with the use of sleep apnea treatment, you’re giving yourself your best chance at successful sleep!
Is It Genetic?
It’s thought that in part, your genes may play a role! So, while your sibling may not necessarily have it (because it’s caused by more than simply heredity), you may find yourself realizing that one of your parents suffered from this sleep disorder.
How Do I Know If Lifestyle Is Contributing?
In short, the easiest way to find out if lifestyle habits are the primary contributing factor (or simply to what degree they’re associated with your sleep apnea), you should strive to address all of them. Stop consuming caffeine, stop smoking, sleep on your side or stomach (instead of your back), lose excess weight, etc. This will most certainly be to the benefit of your overall health, will promote (rather than take away from) sleep apnea treatment, and may make things much better.
Learn About Sleep Apnea And Treatment
When you have questions about sleep apnea, why it’s happening to you, what you can do to limit its severity, and more, come in! Follow through on suggestions we offer, as well as sleep apnea treatment, for success. James Stewart, DDS, and our team serve patients from Livonia, MI and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.
