Sleep Apnea: Causes & Risk Factors

Sleep Apnea: Common Causes and Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is more common than people realize; however, many people do not realize they have it until a partner complains about loud snoring or they wake up exhausted. This sleep disorder interrupts breathing during sleep and strains the body.

Our advanced-trained sleep apnea doctor, Brian McDowell, DDS, LVIF, will help you understand what causes sleep apnea and help improve your sleep quality. When left untreated, this condition can contribute to serious health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Early detection and proper treatment can dramatically improve both sleep quality and overall health.

Common Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is not a single condition with one cause. Several factors often contribute to disruptive breathing during sleep. Some common causes of sleep apnea include:

Airway Obstruction (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)

The most common form is airway obstruction known as obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when throat muscles relax too much during sleep. This narrows or completely closes the airway, causing loud snoring and gasping or choking sounds throughout the night.

Nervous System Signaling Issues (Central Sleep Apnea)

Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea isn’t about a blocked airway. Instead, the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This less common form often occurs alongside other health conditions, such as heart failure or stroke.

Obesity and Excess Weight

Carrying extra weight, particularly around the neck, increases pressure on the airway and makes it more likely to collapse during sleep. This is one of the most significant risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea.

Nasal Congestion or Abnormalities

Nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum can all make breathing difficult. These structural abnormalities may require additional treatments beyond general sleep apnea treatment.

Alcohol and Sedatives

Alcohol and sedatives relax the throat muscles even further than normal sleep does, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse. Drinking or taking sedating medications may worsen symptoms, even for people with only mild sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Certain characteristics and health conditions increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.

Age: Sleep apnea becomes more common as people move into middle age and beyond, though it can affect people of any age.

Gender: Sleep apnea is more common in men; however, after menopause, the risk for women increases.

Family History: A family history of sleep apnea can increase your risk, suggesting a genetic component in how the condition develops.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease: These conditions share a complicated relationship with sleep apnea—each can worsen the other. Managing one often helps improve the other.

Smoking and Poor Lifestyle Habits: Smoking irritates and inflames the airway, increasing fluid retention and airway narrowing. Combined with other poor lifestyle habits, it compounds the risk of developing sleep apnea.

Choosing The Right Sleep Apnea Provider

Our Fitchburg dentist, Dr. McDowell, encourages patients to seek an evaluation if they experience sleep apnea symptoms. Self-diagnosing based on snoring is not enough; our trained dentist will assess your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep quality.

An advanced-trained dentist in Fitchburg can play a key role in diagnosing and managing sleep apnea, particularly for patients who prefer non-CPAP treatment options. Dr. Brian McDowell, DDS, brings this advanced training to his Fitchburg practice, helping patients explore solutions ranging from lifestyle adjustments to custom oral appliances and CPAP therapy. A custom oral appliance can reposition the jaw to help keep the airway open throughout the night, offering a more comfortable alternative for many patients.

Request A Sleep Apnea Evaluation

Understanding the causes and risk factors behind sleep apnea allows you to take preventive action before the condition worsens. Whether it’s managing your weight, cutting back on alcohol before bed, or simply paying closer attention to how you feel each morning, small changes can make a meaningful difference.

Contact Brian McDowell, DDS, LVIF, an advanced-trained dentist in Fitchburg at (978) 252-2049, for a sleep apnea evaluation and to discuss treatment options. For more information, read the common sleep apnea questions patients have asked and contact our team.