Are You at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even death. While it is a treatable condition, it is important to be aware of the risk factors so you can get screened if necessary.

Some of the risk factors for sleep apnea include:

* Age: The risk of sleep apnea increases with age.

* Gender: Men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women.

* Neck circumference: People with a neck circumference of 16 inches (41 cm) or more are at an increased risk of sleep apnea.

* Weight: People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have sleep apnea.

* Family history: People who have a family history of sleep apnea are more likely to develop the condition.

* Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

* Use of alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in the throat, which can lead to sleep apnea.

* Snoring: Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether you should be screened for sleep apnea. A sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea and determine the best course of treatment.

Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea include:

* Loud snoring: This is the most common symptom of sleep apnea.

* Witnessed apneas: These are periods when you stop breathing during sleep.

* Gasping or choking during sleep: This can be a sign that you are not getting enough oxygen during sleep.

* Morning headaches: These can be caused by the lack of oxygen during sleep.

* Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS): This can make it difficult to stay awake during the day, even when you have had a good night's sleep.

* Difficulty concentrating: This can be caused by the lack of oxygen during sleep.

* Mood changes: Sleep apnea can cause irritability, depression, and anxiety.

* Increased risk of accidents: Sleep apnea can increase the risk of accidents, especially car accidents.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether you should be screened for sleep apnea. A sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea and determine the best course of treatment.