4 MORE Factors That Increase the Risk of Sleep Apnea
Alcohol Use
Whether you have sleep apnea or not, alcohol acts as a muscle relaxant and may lead to episodes of sleep apnea. In those individuals that do have sleep apnea, alcohol makes the apneic events longer, worsening the severity of apnea throughout the night.
Race
Studies show that both sleep apnea risk and sleep apnea severity vary by race. This may be due to anatomical differences in the airways of different ethnic groups and races.
Smoking
Smokers are 2.5 times more likely to have sleep apnea, (2001 study). Smoking irritates airway tissues and causes swelling to occur, which ultimately restricts the opening of the airway.
Gender
Middle-aged men are twice as likely to have obstructive sleep apnea as women of the same age. The difference may be due to anatomical differences, especially since many times men are bigger than women. Fatty tissue deposits in different areas on men compared to women. Even though sleep apnea may be male favorable, it is also known to significantly impact women.
Sleep apnea is a life threatening sleep breathing disorder, it needs to be addressed and understood by everyone.
