Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder. It occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted while sleeping. It occurs when your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Breathing during sleep stops and starts often.
While sleeping, the throat muscles relax and allow the airway to become plugged by the tongue. This leads to a stop in the flow of the breath. If it is left untreated, then can result in a stroke or heart disease, or memory loss. People over the age of 40 are at more risk. There are more such things that can put people at risk of developing this disorder or can worsen their condition.
1. Weight gain
If someone is overweight, then it is easier for the airway to collapse resulting in an obstructed breathing. People who are on the heavy side also tend to have thicker necks that can also contribute to the worsening of sleep apnea.
2. Family history
Having family members with sleep apnea might increase your risk.
3. Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
These substances relax the muscles in your throat. Thus, alcohol makes the airway more prone to obstruction and worsens sleep apnea.
4. Position in which you sleep
If you sleep on the back, it can make sleep apnea worse. Sleeping on the back results in the weight obstructing the airway and makes your tongue relax even more thereby stopping the flow.
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