In addition to non-refreshing sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing throughout the night, also presents danger in the form of oxygen deprivation. When you stop breathing, your brain does not get enough oxygen. Drastic problems can result from the oxygen deprivation of sleep apnea, including heart disease, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and learning/memory problems. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea are not even aware that they have a problem. Most often it is a bed partner who is the first to be aware.
Causes of sleep apnea include:
- Large tonsils or adenoids or other anatomical differences.
- Shape of head and neck may create a smaller than normal airway.
- Being overweight or obese (although many people with obstructive sleep apnea are not obese)
- Throat muscles and tongue relax more than normal during sleep.
- Snoring – Snoring can cause the soft palate to become inflamed and swollen, which in turn can obstruct the airway.
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Nasal congestion, nasal blockages, and nasal irritants
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Other physical conditions, disorders and syndromes
