Am I at Risk of Developing Sleep Apnea?

There are different genetic and lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, and it is important to understand what they are so that you can take the proper steps to prevent it.

These factors include:

• Obesity
• A small upper airway
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Older age
• Gender (more common in men)
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Using sedatives or opiates.

In addition to the above factors, the following medical conditions can increase your risk of developing central sleep apnea:

• Congestive heart failure
• Stroke
• Injury to the brainstem
• Neuromuscular diseases

If these conditions apply to you, then you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Shapiro. He will be able to advise you on the specific lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of developing sleep apnea.

Back