Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder. Around one in every seven people develop obstructive sleep apnea at some stage. Sleep apnea is a common symptom of many serious medical conditions like parasomnia, hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases.

Certain factors cause the onset of sleep apnea or make it worse. If you have already developed sleep apnea, go through the following list of factors that can make your sleep apnea worse:  

1. Obesity

Obesity is a major factor in developing sleep apnea, and it is also the number one cause of making sleep apnea worse. Around 70% of adults with obstructive sleep apnea are obese.

The fat deposits around the neck block the airway when you lay down. This causes additional pressure on the air passage in your throat, which is already partially blocked due to swollen tissues around the airway. Your lungs also experience extra pressure due to your increased weight.

All these obesity factors aggravate your sleep apnea, and you may need to consult our Odessa sleep disorder doctors and specialists for treatment.

2. Age

Unfortunately, people face multiple issues related to sleep as they get older. If they already have sleep apnea, it will continue to aggravate with time.

There is no remedy to stop people from aging. But our Odessa sleep doctors and specialists can help treat sleep apnea with medications and suggestions for certain lifestyle changes which can help older people get better sleep and reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.

3. Medications That Relax Muscles

Certain medications which trigger the release of hormones to relax muscles may worsen your sleep apnea. It happens when laxatives, sedatives, or pain killers signal the brain to release hormones that relax the muscles in your throat. If you are already suffering from sleep apnea, these medications will make it worse.

If you think your sleep apnea got worse after taking these medicines, talk to your Odessa sleep doctors. They can suggest alternatives to your medications that will not affect your sleep.

4. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol causes your muscles to relax and have the same consequences for sleep apnea as muscle relaxing medications. When you often consume alcohol before bedtime, there are high chances that your sleep apnea will aggravate.

To avoid this, you need to change your habits regarding alcohol. Try to limit your alcohol consumption and avoid drinking it before going to bed.

5. Smoking

Smoking irritates the muscles in your throat, the upper airways, and the lungs. Frequent smoking worsens the irritation, and the muscles in the upper airways swell. Smoking not only causes sleep apnea but it also makes it worse over time.

Smoking is the root of many medical conditions, and sleep apnea is one of them. Considering the adverse effects of smoking, you must try to quit it as soon as possible. When you quit smoking, your body naturally starts to heal. Irritation in the upper airways reduces and helps you get rid of sleep apnea.

Consult Your Sleep Doctor

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder, and treatments often relieve symptoms. Consult our Odessa sleep disorder doctors and specialists for effective treatment and management of sleep apnea.

We have one of the best doctors in Odessa for asthma, allergy, and sinus treatment.

Contact us for an appointment with our sleep doctors and specialist in Odessa.