What Can Make My Sleep Apnea Symptoms Worse?

Sleep apnea results when the relaxing muscles and tissues in the neck block a patient’s airway during sleep. It is a disruptive health issue that can have serious effects on your overall health if it is not managed properly. Though it is an underdiagnosed condition, 40% of Americans snore when they sleep, and a startling 80% of snorers have obstructive sleep apnea. This means that if you are unaware of having sleep apnea, there are things you might be doing that can make your symptoms worse. Here are a few factors that can exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnea along with a few ways to address them.

Obesity Is a Major Risk Factor in Sleep Apnea

About 70% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are obese, and a patient’s body weight can have a huge impact on their sleep apnea symptoms. If someone has larger fat deposits around their neck, they can restrict their airway as they rest, and the added weight of the abdomen can also make it harder to breathe at night.

On the other hand, losing weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnea or decrease a patient’s risk of developing the disorder. Even a loss as small as 10% or 15% can reduce the severity of an overweight patient’s sleep apnea by 50%. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are the healthiest ways to drop excess body mass.

Some Medications Can Worsen Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Since obstructive sleep apnea can be the result of the weight of the tissues in a patient’s neck exerting pressure on the airway as the muscles supporting them relax at night, some medications can worsen the problem by causing these muscles to relax even further. A few examples include:

• Sleep aids
• Muscle relaxants
• Benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium
• Painkillers, especially opioids

Talk with your doctor if you suspect that your medication might be worsening your sleep apnea symptoms. They may be able to help you devise a better schedule for taking your medication or possibly even prescribe you an alternative drug.

Your Sleeping Position Can Contribute to Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea symptoms in some cases. This can result if a patient’s tongue falls back and obstructs their airway as it relaxes during sleep. This sleeping position can also allow extra body fat to press against the airway as well. You might want to use pillows behind your back to help you sleep comfortably on your side.

While sleep apnea is a serious condition, it is manageable. By adopting excellent health habits and consulting with medical professionals, you can sleep comfortably while mitigating its symptoms.

About the Author

Dr. David Crescenzo earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Georgetown Dental School in 1990 before entering into private practice with his father, Dr. Donald P. Crescenzo. He took over the practice in 1996 and is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. His office in Hammonton, NJ offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to sleep apnea treatments. For more information on mitigating the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact his office online or dial (609) 561-0058.