Sleep apnea is really a rather widespread condition that can have serious complications. The disorder is a lot more widespread in males, as it affects 1 out each 25 middle-aged men and 1 woman out of 50. The condition is characterized by recurrent, prolonged episodes of cessation of breathing that happen during sleep. These episodes generally last for about 10 seconds along with a typical sleep apnea sufferer might experience up to 20 to 30 of these episodes per hour. The causes of this condition are quite a few. Here are the primary Sleep Apnea Causes:
Obesity
People that are obese or overweight have an increased danger of suffering from sleep apnea. In fact, numerous studies show that about 70% of obese folks suffer from this disorder. This occurs because excess body fat, especially on the neck and chest, may possibly constrict the lungs as well as the airway passages. For this reason, weight reduction can cause a comparable reduction in the severity of the symptoms of this sleeping disorder and may also improve renal function and hypertension. Medical studies have demonstrated that losing as small as 10 percent of one's weight can allow you to decrease the severity of sleep apnea by more than 50 percent.
Excessive sitting or standing
A recent study identified that sitting or standing for numerous hours through the day could trigger a fluid shift within the legs, which may possibly play a role within the development of this sleeping disorder. According to Dr. T. Douglas Bradley, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, when folks get to sleep, the fluid that has been retained inside the legs shifts to the upper body and may trigger upper airway constriction. This discovery may explain why a substantial percentage of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are not obese. This indicates that a sedentary life-style is a main risk factor of sleep apnea and exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of this disorder, even if it doesn't result in weight reduction.
Anatomical problems
The anatomical structure of the head and neck could lead to a tiny airway size. In fact, a neck circumference higher than 17 inches can increase the danger of suffering from this condition. Additionally, getting a deviated septum, which causes one nostril to be narrower than the other, can also result in breathing problems. This condition may be caused by a birth defect or an injury to the nose. Naturally big or inflamed tonsils can also be a sleep apnea trigger.
Acid Reflux and GERD
GERD is another achievable trigger of sleep apnea. In GERD, the stomach acids that reach the esophagus can cause scarring and tissue damage inside the throat, which might result in obstructions that result in sleep apnea.
Lifestyle factors
Habitual smokers are more probably to suffer from sleep apnea compared to non-smokers. Additionally, the excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to the over-relaxation of the breathing muscles causing loud snoring.
Heredity
Getting a household history of sleep apnea increases your threat by as much as 4 occasions compared to the typical person.
Advanced Age
It seems that the risk of creating this sleeping disorder, is greatly elevated soon after the age of 65.
Obesity
People that are obese or overweight have an increased danger of suffering from sleep apnea. In fact, numerous studies show that about 70% of obese folks suffer from this disorder. This occurs because excess body fat, especially on the neck and chest, may possibly constrict the lungs as well as the airway passages. For this reason, weight reduction can cause a comparable reduction in the severity of the symptoms of this sleeping disorder and may also improve renal function and hypertension. Medical studies have demonstrated that losing as small as 10 percent of one's weight can allow you to decrease the severity of sleep apnea by more than 50 percent.
Excessive sitting or standing
A recent study identified that sitting or standing for numerous hours through the day could trigger a fluid shift within the legs, which may possibly play a role within the development of this sleeping disorder. According to Dr. T. Douglas Bradley, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, when folks get to sleep, the fluid that has been retained inside the legs shifts to the upper body and may trigger upper airway constriction. This discovery may explain why a substantial percentage of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are not obese. This indicates that a sedentary life-style is a main risk factor of sleep apnea and exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of this disorder, even if it doesn't result in weight reduction.
Anatomical problems
The anatomical structure of the head and neck could lead to a tiny airway size. In fact, a neck circumference higher than 17 inches can increase the danger of suffering from this condition. Additionally, getting a deviated septum, which causes one nostril to be narrower than the other, can also result in breathing problems. This condition may be caused by a birth defect or an injury to the nose. Naturally big or inflamed tonsils can also be a sleep apnea trigger.
Acid Reflux and GERD
GERD is another achievable trigger of sleep apnea. In GERD, the stomach acids that reach the esophagus can cause scarring and tissue damage inside the throat, which might result in obstructions that result in sleep apnea.
Lifestyle factors
Habitual smokers are more probably to suffer from sleep apnea compared to non-smokers. Additionally, the excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to the over-relaxation of the breathing muscles causing loud snoring.
Heredity
Getting a household history of sleep apnea increases your threat by as much as 4 occasions compared to the typical person.
Advanced Age
It seems that the risk of creating this sleeping disorder, is greatly elevated soon after the age of 65.
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This article is a good introduction to this subject and if you are looking for more information click Sleep Apnea Causes or you can find further articles on this topic here Sleep Apnea Symptoms.
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