Does it seem like more and more people are being diagnosed with sleep apnea? You’re not imagining things! Sleep apnea rates are indeed on the rise, and experts believe there are at least four good reasons why this is the case. Once you see what they are, everything will make a lot more sense.
1. Increasing Obesity Rates
The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, is caused by overrelaxed oral tissue and muscles that block the airway, making it harder to breathe while lying down. Excess weight can contribute to this problem by enlarging obstructions, to the point where it’s a known risk factor for sleep apnea. Since obesity rates are also increasing, it’s not much of a surprise that sleep apnea rates would increase too.
2. Widespread Awareness
Sleep apnea is much more well-known as a medical issue than it used to be. Information about the condition has become more widespread overall, and many people are at least somewhat familiar with its symptoms. As a result, more people seek out a sleep apnea diagnosis. Naturally, this leads to more reported cases of the condition.
3. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety don’t necessarily cause sleep apnea, but they certainly make its symptoms more pronounced. Minor symptoms can quickly become severe if worry makes you toss and turn every night. Generally speaking, the more a medical issue interferes with someone’s quality of life, the more likely they are to look for treatment.
4. Electronic Screen Exposure
10 years ago, the blue light produced by electronic screens was a problem, and society has only become increasingly reliant on them since then! Your phone, tablet, laptop, and other devices create a specific frequency of light (commonly called “blue light”) that the brain associates with the daytime. In fact, researchers have found that too much exposure to this type of light actually reduces melatonin levels – one of the hormones responsible for making you feel sleepy.
Similar to stress and anxiety, excessive screen time doesn’t exactly help someone who has sleep apnea.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a complicated condition with complicated risk factors. Regardless of why diagnoses are increasing, it’s clear that an effective treatment plan must be personalized to address each patient’s unique needs. By considering other factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, you and your sleep dentist in Peabody can find the right treatment solution for you!
About the Practice
Dr. Dhara Shah is our sleep apnea expert at Peabody Smile Design, and has over a decade of experience providing personalized treatment plans that address her patients’ unique needs. If you need sleep apnea relief in Peabody, Dr. Shah will consider potential risk factors and help you create an effective treatment plan. To schedule your consultation today, contact our office at 978-278-5478.