Many doctors and dentists aim to provide the best comprehensive care for all their patients, and one way they do this is by screening for sleep apnea. Many people are unaware they have this condition.
Sleep apnea, if not treated, can lead to dangerous situations, such as falling asleep while driving. Here are some key points:
– About 20% of vehicle crashes are related to drowsy driving.
– Around 15% of heavy truck accidents involve fatigue.
– According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, but most are undiagnosed and untreated.
Understanding and educating yourself about health issues is crucial. The first step towards managing sleep apnea is recognizing its signs and symptoms.
Obesity is linked to many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Being overweight significantly increases the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder. This condition occurs when tissues in the back of your throat narrow or block your airways, causing brief pauses in breathing. These interruptions can happen up to 30 times a minute, preventing you from reaching deep, restful sleep.
While not everyone with sleep apnea is overweight, gaining extra pounds can make throat tissues thicker and increase the risk of developing the condition. Other risk factors include being male, being older, smoking, and certain anatomical issues.
For more information and education on this topic, visit your doctor and dentist.