Are You at Risk?
You may be at risk of sleep apnea if you have one or more of the following:
– Excess weight: Fat deposits around your upper airway may obstruct your breathing.
– A narrowed airway: You may have inherited a naturally narrow throat.
– Advanced age: Sleep apnea occurs significantly more often in older adults.
– A family history of sleep apnea: If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at an increased risk.
– Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers: These substances relax muscles in your throat.
– Smoking: Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.
– Nasal congestion: If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, you’re more likely to develop sleep apnea.