AM I AT RISK FOR SLEEP APNEA?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder affecting millions of people. It occurs when your airway becomes blocked while sleeping, preventing your brain from getting an adequate amount of oxygen. In order to restore proper breathing, your brain must rouse you from sleep. This process can occur hundreds of times a night without you even realizing it.

There are a several factors which may place you at an increased risk of sleep apnea. These include:

• Obesity – While you do not have to be overweight to develop sleep apnea, carrying excess weight and fat deposits around your upper airway can obstruct your breathing while you sleep.
• Narrowed airway – People who are genetically predisposed to having a narrow throat are at greater risk of sleep apnea. Also, enlarged tonsils can block your airway and increase your risk of developing this serious condition.
• Neck circumference – People with a thick neck often have a narrower airway.
• Being male – The risk of sleep apnea is twice as great for men as it is for women.
• Family history – People with other family members who have sleep apnea are more likely to develop the condition.
• Age – Your risk of sleep apnea increases significantly after the age of 60.
• Race – In young people (under the age of 35), African Americans are at greater risk of sleep apnea.
• Smoking – Smokers are at three times greater risk of developing sleep apnea than people who have never smoked. This risk should decrease if you quit smoking.
• Alcohol and sedative use – Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers relax the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood that your airway will get blocked.
• Nasal congestion – You are at greater risk of sleep apnea if you have problems breathing through your nose. This increased risk occurs regardless of whether your breathing problems are due to allergies or an anatomical problem.

The dentists at Chapnick Dental Office have extensive experience helping people who suffer from sleep apnea in the Barrie, Ontario area. Our dentist can fit you for a custom-made sleep apnea appliance which will help keep your airway open throughout the night, providing you with a restful night’s sleep.

Please contact Chapnick Dental Office today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation. We serve patients in Barrie, Ontario.