Sleep Apnea Is on the Rise — Are You at Risk?

In recent years, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has become increasingly common. In fact, according to one estimate published by the National Council on Aging, around 39 million U.S. adults have this condition! Sadly, though, many of those cases remain undiagnosed. Could you be at risk for OSA? In this blog post, we discuss risk factors and symptoms that you should be aware of. If you suspect you have OSA, you can protect your health by seeking treatment as soon as possible.

Who Is at Risk?

It is important to note that anyone can develop OSA, regardless of their age or lifestyle. However, some groups are at a higher risk than others, including:

• Overweight and obese individuals. Some experts believe that rising cases of OSA in the United States are due to increasing obesity rates. Carrying excess fat around your neck can lead to snoring and airway obstructions.
• Seniors. As you age, the muscles in your airway may weaken. This can increase the risk of nighttime breathing problems.
• Smokers. The use of cigarettes and other problems can increase inflammation throughout your whole body and irritate your airway.
• Biological males. Statistics indicate that men are more likely to have OSA than women. However, the risk for females increases significantly after menopause.

If you think you might have OSA, you should not ignore the problem. Left untreated, this disorder is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health complications.

Protecting Your Health

There are some practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of OSA and/or manage this condition:

• Manage your weight. Often, even modest weight loss can improve nighttime breathing.
• Stay active. Some research indicates that staying physically active, even without weight loss, may reduce OSA symptoms.
• Minimize airway congestion. Nasal allergies may increase the risk of snoring and OSA, so medications or environmental changes may be helpful.
• Care for your health. Avoiding smoking, limiting your alcohol consumption, and other healthy lifestyle choices may help you to reduce your risk of OSA or manage your symptoms.
• Monitor your sleep. If you ever start to suspect that you have OSA, you should seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

OSA is an epidemic! If you believe you may be at risk, it is important that you be proactive about protecting the quality of your sleep and your overall wellness.

Meet the Practice

For well over 10 years, Dr. Kenneth Mogell has been helping people in Vero Beach and the surrounding communities to conquer sleep apnea via the use of oral appliance therapy. If you suspect you have OSA or are interested in exploring your treatment options, he and our team would love to consult with you. Contact us at 772-882-6800.