Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep condition that affects over 20 million Americans and it’s only growing in the population. If you have this condition, your restless nights are caused by your throat muscles relaxing, which leads to blockage in your airway. So, while you’re counting sheep, your breathing is being interrupted, sometimes hundreds of times during the night. Keep reading to learn 3 reasons why sleep apnea in Las Vegas is on the rise.
#1: Obesity
Did you know that more than half of the population diagnosed with sleep apnea are overweight? Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors of this sleep disorder and it’s a growing problem as well. In fact, each unit increase in your Body Mass Index is associated with a 14% bigger chance of developing sleep apnea.
Obesity has been a growing issue in America for years, especially in young adults and children. That’s one of the reasons why sleep apnea has only grown more common.
#2: Stress
Stress plays a big part in getting a good night’s rest, but it can affect your sleep apnea too. With jobs becoming more demanding and technology only growing, stress is at an all time high.
Many people today don’t get the recommended amount of sleep per night (7 to 8 hours). Stress is not only cited as a main cause of this, but it also leads to more severe symptoms of sleep apnea.
#3: Awareness
Sleep apnea is a huge problem and it’s only increasing. So why isn’t everyone aware of it? This is another huge reason why this sleep disorder is on the rise: awareness. In the past, many patients reporting symptoms like fatigue, sleepiness, and mood swings were misdiagnosed with psychological disorders.
Luckily for you, dentist’s and doctors alike have taken notice in this uptick in sleep apnea, which means they’ve focused on giving you the correct diagnosis and treatment.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Some dentists are sleep apnea experts, combining their knowledge of the mouth with sleep solutions. You can visit a sleep center in Las Vegas to find the cause of your sleeping problems and get the right treatment for you.
The most common treatment options your dentist can provide are oral sleep appliances that reposition your tongue and jaw in a way that gives you a clear airway for much better breathing. Your dentist can also treat jaw problems that may be a contributing factor, but the only way to know for sure is to stop by for a visit.
Now that you know the 3 main reason sleep apnea is on the rise, be sure to manage your weight, stress, and of course stay aware. If you’re having trouble sleeping, contact your dentist so you can start counting sheep again.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Pamela West has been expertly treating sleep apnea for over 5 years. She loves being able to give her patients their good night’s sleep back. She currently practices at iSleepSolutions, and she can be contacted through her website or by phone at (702) 602-2000 for any questions.