Who is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea refers to pauses in breathing while you sleep. This happens when the muscles at the back of your throat collapse. While most people associate the condition with loud snoring, a narrow or obstructed airway can have serious consequences.

At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, board-certified physician Dr. Avi Ishaaya has been treating sleep disorders for more than 20 years in the Los Angeles, CA area. He is committed to helping patients identify risk factors for sleep apnea to improve their sleep and overall health with the most effective treatments.

Keep reading to learn more about the risk factors for sleep apnea.

What causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat become relaxed and obstruct the airway, preventing you from breathing freely and normally. Under normal conditions, these muscles support the soft palate and uvula at the back of the mouth as well as your tonsils and tongue.

The obstruction of the airway prevents you from getting the oxygen you need and can disrupt sleep, leading to further health problems.

Who is most at risk for sleep apnea?

There are several risk factors that make it more likely that you'll develop sleep apnea. Those who are more at risk for sleep apnea include:

People who are overweight (however, people at a healthy weight can also develop sleep apnea)
Those of advanced age (though sleep apnea can occur at any age, even in children)
Infants born prematurely
Those with a genetic history of sleep apnea in their family
Men
People who have broken their noses
Those with a fractured nasal septum
People who sleep on their backs
Those who use alcohol and tobacco

Signs you may have sleep apnea

Not everyone knows they are suffering from sleep apnea. However, you should talk to a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Waking up feeling out of breath
Loud snoring
Gasping for air at night
Feeling tired even though you appear to be sleeping through the night

How is sleep apnea treated?

Dr. Ishaaya can evaluate your sleep during a consultation, provide a home sleep test device, or do comprehensive sleep testing in a state-of-the-art sleep lab for more complex cases.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Ishaaya will discuss treatment options, including:

- A sleep apnea appliance, like positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy (the gold standard for treatment)

- Customized automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) devices and accessories

Sleep apnea treatment is personalized for each patient at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA.

It's essential to treat your sleep apnea. Otherwise, you can increase your risk for:

Insomnia
Hypertension
Stroke
Depression
Obesity
Heart disease
Diabetes
Relationship issues if you share a bed
Cognitive effects that can cause poor work and school performance

Get treatment for sleep apnea in Los Angeles, CA

At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Avi Ishaaya uses his two decades of expertise in treating sleep apnea to help patients identify their sleep issues, get the proper diagnosis, and get the best possible treatment for their long-term well-being.

To get started on your journey to better sleep and overall wellness, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ishaaya.