{"id":151,"date":"2024-11-13T18:16:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T18:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=151"},"modified":"2024-12-13T18:19:19","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T18:19:19","slug":"7-things-that-can-trigger-sleep-apnea-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=151","title":{"rendered":"7 Factors That Can Make Your Sleep Apnea Worse"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-152 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sleep-apnea-5-300x151.jpg\" alt=\"Normal airway comparison to sleep apnea airway\" width=\"300\" height=\"151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sleep-apnea-5-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sleep-apnea-5-1024x517.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sleep-apnea-5-768x388.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sleep-apnea-5-1536x776.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/sleep-apnea-5-2048x1034.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but up to 90% of cases aren&#8217;t diagnosed. The sleep-related breathing disorder can affect your physical and mental health negatively with no treatment. It can even increase your risk of life-threatening complications. Thankfully, sleep apnea is easy to treat with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. However, there are a few mistakes you might make that can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Here are 7 things you should avoid to breathe better.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Weight Gain or Obesity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight gain can contribute to sleep apnea because of fat deposits around the neck and chest. 70% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are obese. Losing weight can reduce sleep apnea symptoms while also improving conditions that coincide with obesity, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Certain Medications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleep apnea can be a complication of certain medications, especially those that cause muscle relaxation, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sleep Aids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain Killers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benzodiazepines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle Relaxants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not stop taking any medications without first consulting with your physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Sleep Position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleeping on your back is known to increase the occurrence of breathing disruptions among sleep apnea patients. Ideally, it is best to sleep on your side. You can place a pillow behind your back to help prevent you from rolling over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Alcohol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Drinking alcohol too close to bedtime can increase sleep apnea episodes. It causes your muscles to relax, which can cause narrowing of your upper airway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Pre-Existing Health Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleep apnea is often associated with other underlying health conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High Blood Pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type II Diabetes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obesity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Managing your health conditions and complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can improve your sleep quality and overall wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Smoking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Smoking increases the risk of breathing issues, including COPD. It is best to kick the habit as soon as possible to improve your health and reduce your risk of sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Irregular Treatment Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can cause worsening symptoms. It&#8217;s important to use your CPAP machine every night as instructed by your sleep specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find a CPAP bothersome, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. The custom-fit device positions your jaw and tongue to prevent obstructions in your upper airway. With the right treatment and a few changes to your lifestyle, you can improve your sleep apnea symptoms to get a good night&#8217;s rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About Dr. Sara Saba<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/meet-dr-saba.html\">Dr. Saba<\/a> combines the art and science of dentistry to improve her patients\u2019 quality of lives. She achieved her dental degree at the University of Maryland at College Park and has completed advanced training in various specialties, including sleep apnea therapy. Dr. Saba has the solutions you need to treat snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliances. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/request-an-appointment.html\">Request an appointment<\/a> through her website or call her office at (301) 460-3331.Approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but up to 90% of cases aren&#8217;t diagnosed. The sleep-related breathing disorder can affect your physical and mental health negatively with no treatment. It can even increase your risk of life-threatening complications. Thankfully, sleep apnea is easy to treat with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. However, there are a few mistakes you might make that can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms. Here are 7 things you should avoid to breathe better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Weight Gain or Obesity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Weight gain can contribute to sleep apnea because of fat deposits around the neck and chest. 70% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea are obese. Losing weight can reduce sleep apnea symptoms while also improving conditions that coincide with obesity, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Certain Medications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleep apnea can be a complication of certain medications, especially those that cause muscle relaxation, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sleep Aids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain Killers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benzodiazepines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle Relaxants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not stop taking any medications without first consulting with your physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Sleep Position<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleeping on your back is known to increase the occurrence of breathing disruptions among sleep apnea patients. Ideally, it is best to sleep on your side. You can place a pillow behind your back to help prevent you from rolling over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Alcohol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Drinking alcohol too close to bedtime can increase sleep apnea episodes. It causes your muscles to relax, which can cause narrowing of your upper airway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Pre-Existing Health Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleep apnea is often associated with other underlying health conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>High Blood Pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type II Diabetes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obesity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Managing your health conditions and complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can improve your sleep quality and overall wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Smoking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Smoking increases the risk of breathing issues, including COPD. It is best to kick the habit as soon as possible to improve your health and reduce your risk of sleep apnea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Irregular Treatment Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not complying with your sleep apnea treatment plan can cause worsening symptoms. It&#8217;s important to use your CPAP machine every night as instructed by your sleep specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find a CPAP bothersome, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. The custom-fit device positions your jaw and tongue to prevent obstructions in your upper airway. With the right treatment and a few changes to your lifestyle, you can improve your sleep apnea symptoms to get a good night&#8217;s rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About Dr. Sara Saba<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/meet-dr-saba.html\">Dr. Saba<\/a> combines the art and science of dentistry to improve her patients\u2019 quality of lives. She achieved her dental degree at the University of Maryland at College Park and has completed advanced training in various specialties, including sleep apnea therapy. Dr. Saba has the solutions you need to treat snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliances. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/request-an-appointment.html\">Request an appointment<\/a> through her website or call her office at (301) 460-3331.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Approximately 39 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but up to 90% of cases aren&#8217;t diagnosed. The sleep-related breathing disorder can affect your physical and mental health negatively with no treatment. It can even increase your risk of life-threatening complications. Thankfully, sleep apnea is easy to treat with an oral appliance or a CPAP machine. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-151","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.13 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>7 Things That Can Trigger Sleep Apnea Symptoms<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"7 mistakes can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. 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