Is Sleep Apnea on the Rise?

An adequate amount of high-quality sleep is one of the primary pillars of sound health. Unfortunately, countless individuals struggle to get the rest they need because they suffer from sleep apnea. Even more concerning is that cases of this condition seem to have increased in recent years. Is sleep apnea on the rise? What can you do to lower your risk? This blog post provides practical information.

Why Are Cases of Sleep Apnea Increasing?

It is estimated that more than 20 million people in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when tissues in the throat block the free flow of oxygen, leading to pauses in breathing that disrupt the sleep cycle.

Unfortunately, OSA was underdiagnosed for generations, in part due to a lack of awareness on the part of patients. Now, more and more people are seeking help to achieve better sleep, though there are still countless individuals who may not be aware that they have a sleep disorder.

Widespread changes in how people live may also be partially responsible for increasing sleep apnea numbers. For example, obesity is quite common, and it is a major risk factor for OSA. Other lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity, can also play a role in the onset of OSA.

How Can You Lower Your Risk?

Some risk factors for sleep apnea are inevitable. For example, you might have a deviated septum or other anatomical abnormalities that affect your ability to breathe easily at night. Other risk factors, though, are modifiable. You may be able to lower your chances of developing OSA by:

• Managing your weight. Often, even a modest loss of fat can improve breathing and decrease sleep apnea symptoms.
• Getting enough physical activity. Research has shown that even without weight loss, exercise can reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Quitting smoking. Smoking irritates the airway and can worsen nighttime breathing problems.
• Being moderate in alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking, particularly right before bedtime, can cause the tissues in your throat to over-relax and block your airway.

What Should You Do if You Have Poor-Quality Sleep?

If you often feel that the quality of your sleep is not what it should be, it is possible that you are suffering from OSA. This is especially true if you tend to snore loudly or your partner has told you that you sometimes stop breathing at night.

It is important that you seek medical care. After you receive an official diagnosis, you can learn about your treatment options. Often, OSA is easy to manage with a custom oral appliance designed by an experienced dentist.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that afflicts millions upon millions of people. You should do all you can to protect yourself!

Meet the Practice

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a board-certified dental sleep medicine expert who proudly offers oral appliances to members of the Melbourne, FL, community. If you would like him and our team to help you achieve higher-quality sleep, we are ready to serve you. Contact us at 844-686-0696.