Home » Your Health » Doc Talks: 7 Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Doc Talks: 7 Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

By: Dr. Gerald Morris on Friday, August 19th

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic disorder characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. Apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing for at least 10-seconds, and results in low levels of oxygen in the blood and causes brief awakenings throughout the night. Symptoms of OSA may include loud snoring, disrupted sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. An overnight sleep study is required to diagnose OSA. The mainstay for treatment of OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Complications of untreated OSA may include high blood pressure, heart disease, headaches, motor vehicle accidents, depression, and even death. Seven causes of obstructive sleep apnea are…

1. Excess Weight

Greater than 50-percent of individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are either overweight or obese. Body mass index (BMI) is a marker used as an indirect measurement of body fat. A BMI can be calculated using mass in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of an individual’s height in meters (m). An individual BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 is designated overweight, while a BMI of > 30 kg/m2 is designated obese.

In recent clinical studies, excess weight is the strongest risk factor associated with the development and progression of OSA in adults. Fat deposits in the tissues surrounding the upper airways cause intermittent obstruction while sleeping. A 10-percent weight gain may increase the odds of developing moderate to severe OSA by six times, while each unit increase in BMI is associated with a 14-percent increased risk of developing OSA.

weight

7 Ways to Wake Up Feeling Refreshed

Are you tired of waking up tired? You're not alone. Sometimes it doesn't even seem like you've slept after getting 7- or 8-hours of shuteye, and on top of that you end up lagging...

Your Health
The Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease—a chronic and progressive brain disorder that causes loss of muscle control—affects nearly one million people in the United States alone.

Your Health
Chronic Kidney Disease: Common Symptoms of CKD

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine in the lower middle of the back.

Your Health
The Most Common Causes of Hypertension

Heart disease is one of the biggest silent killers on a global scale. Having hypertension (or high blood pressure) means that the pressure to which your arteries pump blood from...

Your Health
Awaken to These 12 Reasons You're Suffering From Insomnia

It has happened to all of us – some of us more often than others – but even though we've put in a long day, we're staring at the ceiling, wide-awake at 1 a.m.

Your Health
6 Foods That Can Help Soothe Sleep Apnea

Sleep deprivation is dangerous. It can lead to reduced concentration levels, making one a threat to themselves and others particularly when they're behind the wheel.

Your Health
Reasons You Feel Tired All of the Time

It’s a problem many of us have to deal with—feeling tired in the middle of the day. It’s a costly problem.

Your Health
10 Simple Remedies for Beating Insomnia

There are few health issues more frustrating than insomnia, or the inability to easily fall and stay asleep.

Your Health
6 Snoring Facts that May Keep you Awake at Night

Snoring is something many of us live with, whether we're the one snoring or we're trying to cover our ears listening to someone else.

Your Health
5 Common Sleeping Positions and How they Affect your Health

Everyone seems to hit the hay a different way, whether it's sprawled out like an eagle or knees curled to chest.

Your Health
Polysomnography: 6 Things to Expect from a Sleep Clinic

Medical professionals will attest to the importance of sleep. However, in reality, Americans just aren't getting enough.

Your Health
Avoid These Common Triggers of Restless Leg Syndrome

When you feel like your legs want to do their own thing, especially when you're minding your own business on the couch or even trying to fall asleep in bed, it's probably restless...

Your Health
Is It Measles? Signs and Symptoms of Measles

Measles, a condition medically known as rubeola, is highly contagious. In fact, the disease is responsible for a total death toll of approximately 200 million...

Your Health
Most Indicative Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes, often called the silent killer. It strikes almost 24 million people across the U.S.

Your Health
Alarming Triggers for Alzheimer's Disease

Although medical researchers are unable to pinpoint the exact cause of Alzheimer’s, many studies link exposure to certain chemicals, medications, and even emotions to heightening...

Your Health