Why is Sleep Apnea Becoming More Common?

Millions of people currently suffer from sleep apnea, and recent research shows that the problem is on the rise. In fact, it’s estimated that over a quarter of adults in the United States have sleep-disordered breathing. What’s causing the rise in sleep apnea cases? And what should you do if you think you’ve developed this increasingly common disorder? Here are the facts you should be aware of.

What Exactly is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated pauses in your breathing while you’re asleep. Most of the time, these pauses are the result of the airway being blocked by overly relaxed throat muscles. Each interruption causes your brain to wake your body up so that breathing can resume. This disrupts the sleep cycle and prevents you from enjoying quality slumber, which can result in excessive tiredness during the day as well as an increased risk for various health issues.

Why is Sleep Apnea on the Rise?

There are several factors that can help explain why sleep apnea is becoming more widely diagnosed:

• Better Awareness: Nowadays, more people are aware of the potential warning signs of sleep apnea, making them more likely to seek diagnosis and treatment.
• Increased Obesity Rates: Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep apnea, as it can lead to the formation of fat deposits in the neck that can partially or fully block the airway. Since obesity rates have been increasing over the years, it makes sense that sleep apnea rates would as well.
• Longer Lifespans: Older adults tend to be more likely to develop sleep apnea. People nowadays are living longer, so consequently, age-related health conditions are becoming more common.
• Stress: American adults are reporting higher stress levels than they have in the past. This is significant because stress and sleep apnea are often linked.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have Sleep Apnea?

With sleep apnea becoming more widespread, it’s essential to have an idea of what to do if you believe that you are experiencing sleep-disordered breathing. Your first step should be to have a sleep test performed so that the issue can be properly diagnosed. Once you’ve confirmed that you are suffering from sleep apnea, you can pursue an appropriate form of treatment, such as a personalized oral appliance.

Sleep apnea may be more common than before, but as long as you’re keeping an eye out for the potential warning signs and are proactive in seeking care, you can protect yourself from this disorder and enjoy more restful nights.

About the Practice

At Wayland Dental, our team includes multiple dentists who share a passion for helping patients enjoy healthier, brighter smiles. In addition to providing various preventive and restorative dental services, we also offer customized oral appliances to help patients who are suffering from sleep-disordered breathing. If you’re interested in pursuing sleep apnea treatment, you can schedule an appointment at our office by visiting our website or calling (508) 651-0500.