Sleep apnea can cause snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep and a tired feeling during the day. It may also lead to long-term health problems such as heart disease and depression, or put you at risk for accidents and injuries. Many factors contribute to sleep apnea, including obesity, large tonsils and adenoids, certain medical conditions such as a stroke or heart failure, and alcohol or drug use,what causes sleep apnea can affect your quality of life and health.
Obesity
Obesity is a common cause of sleep apnea, especially in people who have obstructive sleep apnea. Excess weight can create fat deposits in the neck that block the upper airway during sleep when the throat muscles relax. This reduces airflow and leads to snoring. The fat build-up also can compress the chest wall and decrease lung capacity, which makes breathing more difficult.
Obese people are also more likely to have central sleep apnea, which isn’t caused by a physical obstruction. This disorder happens when the brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
People with both types of sleep apnea have poor quality sleep, which can make them feel tired during the day and lead to problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. These health conditions can increase the risk of stroke and dementia. Treating sleep apnea can improve these conditions and help people get better quality sleep. Treatment options include losing weight, changing sleep habits, using a mouthpiece to prevent airway obstructions and other treatments.
Head and Neck Disorders
People with sleep apnea may wake up gasping for breath or experience pauses in breathing during their sleep. These events disrupt their sleep and may lead to a lack of energy and difficulty performing everyday activities, such as driving or working. In severe cases, these episodes can increase the risk of serious medical conditions such as heart damage and heart failure.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes constricted or blocked, resulting in a reduction of oxygen intake. This is often the result of the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat during sleep. The disorder can also cause loud snoring.
The most common form of sleep apnea, OSA is caused by blockage in the airway, which can cause reduced levels of oxygen in the blood. It can affect any stage of sleep, but is most prevalent in Stages 1 and 2, and occasionally in REM sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea can be exacerbated by alcohol, smoking or taking certain medications, especially sedatives and tranquilizers.
Nasal Obstructions
The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, happens when your throat muscles relax and close the upper airway. This obstructs the flow of oxygen and can cause snoring.
Your brain responds to the drop in blood oxygen levels caused by reduced or stopped breathing (hypopnea and apnea) by briefly awakening you. This interrupts your normal sleep cycle and leads to daytime drowsiness, mood changes, weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Anything that can narrow your upper airway can raise your risk for obstructive sleep apnea, including being overweight, having a large tongue and a thick neck, having nasal congestion or allergies, a history of enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a previous stroke, coronary heart disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic lung diseases such as asthma and having a genetic condition such as cleft lip or palate external link or Down syndrome. Drinking alcohol and smoking can also increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
Medical Conditions
Sleep apnea is associated with many health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. It can make driving dangerous, and it can cause mood changes and problems with memory or concentration. It can also lead to weight gain and depression.
The muscles in your throat relax during sleep, narrowing your airway and preventing air from getting through to your lungs. That’s called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Loud snoring is a common sign of OSA. It’s important to realize that not everyone who snores has OSA, though.
People who are at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea include those with: