Sleep Apnea: Know the Causes

Some of us may experience an obstruction while breathing during our sleep. This might manifest as a sudden pause in breathing during sleep. This condition, known as sleep apneas can be extremely detrimental and cause a slew of problems in the long run.
Knowing the causes and keeping away from them helps a great deal in avoiding this condition.

 Here are some of the causes of Sleep Apnea:

• Obesity is among the most common causes or trigger factors of sleep apnea. People who have a BMI of 25 and above are more likely to develop apnea than those who have a healthy BMI.
• Every 10% increase in weight increases the risk of acquiring sleep apnea by over six times.
• Men with a neck circumference higher than 40cm, and women with a neck circumference of over 38 cm are more likely to develop sleep apnea.
• People who smoke are more likely to have apnea owing to lung impairment, which can prevent them from breathing.
• Hypothyroidism is another very common factor that contributes to sleep apnea.
• Enlarged tonsils or an overbite can also obstruct the breathing pathways, resulting in an increased likelihood of sleep apnea.
• Allergies deviated septum and infections that cause a blockage of the airways also can result in short-term sleep apnea.

 If you or a loved one suffer from apnea, get it treated at the earliest. Chronic Sleep Apnea can cause immense stress resulting in lifestyle issues and a whole host of problems in the long run!