While you sleep, it’s important that your body is getting the air that it needs. This helps with your quality of sleep and how you feel when you wake up the next day. When this airflow is affected, it’s often because of a disorder known as sleep apnea. When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause serious complications that can affect your health in several ways. Dr. Richard Bogan and Dr. Laura Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, can explain what causes sleep apnea and how you can take steps to prevent sleep apnea from happening. 

Common Causes of Sleep Apnea 

Sleep apnea is often caused when your airway is blocked, usually by your tongue. The tongue slides back and obstructs the airway, stopping the flow of air and causing pauses in your breath. If you’ve been told that you snore often, it might be time to talk to your sleep doctor in Columbia, SC, about sleep apnea. 

Sleep apnea happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, and this can be extremely dangerous. There are certain factors that can increase the risk of this happening. These factors include: 

• Obesity 
• Large neck circumference 
• A narrow airway 
• Family history 
• Nasal congestion 
• High blood pressure 
• Excessive use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers 
• Being older 
• Being male 

Some of these factors can’t be changed, but it’s important to be aware of what they are and if they affect you. You may need to make lifestyle changes to ensure that you maintain a healthy weight and that you can reduce your chance of dealing with sleep apnea. 

Contact Our Sleep Doctor Today 

Make sure that you’re able to sleep throughout the night! Contact Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, to learn more about sleep apnea and if any of the causes could affect you! Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (803) 251-3093.