Take This Quiz: Are You Making Your Sleep Apnea Worse?

If you are one of the more than 18 million American adults who suffer from sleep apnea, as estimated by the National Sleep Foundation, this is the quiz for you!

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in your throat are unable to keep the airway open to allow for proper breathing. Which is problematic, obviously, since breathing is important. OSA can lead to poor sleep and low blood oxygen, and it can raise the risk of hypertension, heart disease, mood and memory problems, and drowsy driving. Could some of your current habits be making your sleep apnea worse?

Ask yourself these five questions:

1. Have You Been Gaining Weight?

Research like that of the University of Maryland Medical Center shows that excess weight can increase your likelihood of sleep apnea. Basically, fat deposits around the upper airway (your neck) may obstruct breathing. The Mayo Clinic states that people who are obese have four times the risk of sleep apnea than a person in a more healthy weight range. If you are overweight or gaining excess weight, consult a doctor about how to change your habits. Even a small amount of weight loss can improve sleep apnea symptoms.

2. Are You a Smoker?

Smokers are three times more like to have obstructive sleep apnea than people who have never smoked, says the Mayo Clinic. Cigarettes can irritate the upper airway, which includes the throat, and can lead to inflammation and fluid retention in that area.

3. Do You Sleep On Your Back?

Studies have shown that sleeping on your back can increase sleep apnea occurrences, says the UMD Medical Center When sleeping on your side, the soft tissues of the airway, like the soft palate and tongue, are less likely to fall backwards and block the flow of air.

4. Drinking Alcohol?

A drink before bed might seem like a great idea to help you drift off to sleep. However, organizations like the Mayo Clinic have found that drinking alcohol can actually increase instances of sleep apnea. They point out that alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, making it harder for the muscles to keep your airway open.

5. Taking Prescription Medicines?

Many prescription medicines contain muscle relaxants, which can increase your risk for sleep apnea in the same way that alcohol does. These medicines may relax the muscles in your throat, making it harder for them to keep the air passage open. Sleeping pills can also be problematic, as they make it harder to wake from a deep sleep. An episode of sleep apnea may last longer, because even greater respiratory discomfort would be needed to wake you up and return yourself to normal breathing.

Your Result Is...

Did you answer “yes” to any of these questions? Then you may be making your sleep apnea worse. Start making simple changes today to take these risk factors out of your life.