Sleep’s Thief: Sleep Apnea

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Who is susceptible?

Anyone can have sleep apnea, even children. Heretical ties exist, so if someone in your family has sleep apnea, you are more likely to develop it than someone without a family history.  It occurs more frequently in Hispanics, African Americans, and Pacific Islanders than in Caucasians.  The reasons for these differences are not known.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, see your doctor.  It is possible to treat apnea through lifestyle changes, like losing weight if you’re overweight and sleeping on your side instead of your back. Such changes may be enough if your sleep apnea is mild.  Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for adults with moderate or severe sleep apnea. During CPAP, while sleeping you wear a mask over your mouth or nose that blows air into your throat at a pressure level just high enough to prevent airway obstruction.  Other treatments exist as well.

Sleep apnea is treatable condition, and your doctor can recommend the proper treatment suitable for you. You might have to try different methods or treatments until you discover what works best for you.

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