Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder whereby people experience repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These occur when muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing airway to narrow or collapse.
Many people dismiss loud snoring or daytime fatigue as a minor issue, but untreated OSA can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and impaired concentration. There are various solutions you can consider, such as implants, weight loss diets, or even CPAP machine rental.
In this article, we will look at some of common causes of this condition.
Some of the Top Causes
There are various common causes that are associated with OSA. Some of these are: Excess Weight and Obesity
One of leading risk factors for the OSA is excess body weight. When fat accumulates around the upper airway, it can obstruct breathing by narrowing the passage. This is a huge issue when you are lying down, as gravity pulls the surrounding tissue into the airway. Experts state that if you are obese, you are far more likely to develop sleep apnoea compared with those of a healthy weight. Weight management through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes is often recommended for overweight people diagnosed with OSA.
Airway Structure
The physical structure of your airway can have a big impact on the likelihood of developing OSA. Some people naturally have a narrow throat, large tonsils, or an enlarged tongue that can block airflow when the throat muscles relax. Also, a receding chin or certain jaw shapes can reduce the space in the upper airway. These differences are not always linked to weight and can affect both children and adults. In adults, surgical procedures or oral appliances might be prescribed to keep the airway open.
Ageing and Muscle Tone
As you age, the risk of OSA increases due to natural changes in muscle tone and tissue elasticity. The muscles that support the airway tend to weaken with age. Also, older adults often experience changes in sleep
patterns and might spend more time in lighter stages of sleep, which also has an impact. Of course, ageing is inevitable, but maintaining good muscle tone through regular exercise can help. In addition, avoiding sedatives that relax throat muscles can help minimise risk.
Alcohol and Sedative Use
Lifestyle choices can also play a major role in the development or worsening of OSA. Alcohol, sleeping tablets, or sedatives relax muscles of the throat, which increases likelihood of the airway obstruction. Drinking alcohol close to bedtime can make apnoea episodes longer and more severe. Smoking can also contribute, as it causes inflammation and fluid retention in the airway. Reducing or eliminating these habits can help to improve sleep quality and reduce the frequency of apnoeic episodes.
Taking Proactive Steps
As you can see, obstructive sleep apnoea can be caused by a variety of factors. By understanding the underlying causes, you can take proactive steps to reduce risks and seek timely medical help.
