What Can Worsen Sleep Apnea?
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A sleep disorder can have a serious impact on your health and quality of life. So, if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it's important to educate yourself about the condition and when to seek help from a trusted medical professional.
Below, Dr. Avi Ishaaya reviews the factors that contribute to sleep apnea and how our team can provide much-needed support and treatment options. Call Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers to discuss your symptoms and possible solutions for disrupted breathing in Los Angeles, CA. Let's embark on this journey together.
Understanding sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by unexpected interruptions in breathing during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the throat fail to keep the airway open. These pauses in sleep can last from several seconds to a few minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night.
While some individuals experience mild symptoms of sleep apnea, others face severe issues such as daytime fatigue, memory and concentration problems, emotional issues, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Understanding the factors that worsen sleep apnea is crucial for managing the condition effectively.
Does genetics play a role in sleep apnea?
It's well-established that genetics and family history can influence the development of sleep apnea in Los Angeles, CA. However, the exact genetic mechanisms are still largely unknown. Research states that men are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than women, and older individuals are at a higher risk than younger individuals.
People with narrow airways or enlarged tonsils are more likely to experience episodes of disrupted breathing. Those who have broken or crooked noses, deviated septums, or chronic nasal congestion are also at a greater risk.
What lifestyle habits contribute to sleep apnea?
Lifestyle habits can increase your risk of sleep apnea, including excessive weight gain, particularly in the neck and upper body. The added weight places pressure on the airway, making it more difficult to keep it open during sleep. Other possible contributors include smoking, alcohol and drug use, sedative medications, and sleeping in certain positions (such as on your back).
How do you help with sleep apnea?
Dr. Ishaaya has 20 years of experience in treating patients of all backgrounds with sleep disorders. We offer comprehensive sleep testing in our state-of-the-art, fully accredited sleep lab and use top tools and technologies to diagnose your condition. Our goal is to provide effective options for managing sleep apnea so you can get a good night's rest.
What treatments are available for disrupted breathing?
Some lifestyle changes are helpful in managing sleep apnea. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and drugs before bedtime, quitting smoking, and changing your sleep position for better breathing. If lifestyle changes are unable to help, we may recommend using an oral appliance such as positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy or automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy.
Seek sleep apnea treatment
Any sleep disorder should be taken seriously, and sleep apnea is no exception. Treatment options should be explored as soon as possible to reduce your risk of developing serious medical conditions. If you experience signs of sleep apnea in Los Angeles, CA, reach out to Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers to learn about our services and get the help you need. Dr. Avi Ishaaya and his team are here to assist you every step of the way.