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Sleep Apnoea is a serious sleep disorder where a person’s breathing stops numerous of times while sleeping.

The symptoms of having sleep apnoea include loud snoring, fatigue, insomnia, morning headaches and restless sleep. But most people overlook these signs as something normal. Which more often than not, results in most people not knowing that they have sleep apnoea.

But the good news is you can easily get a sleep study done and start treatment right away.

What Are the Causes of Sleep Apnea?

The consequences of sleep apnoea can be very harmful to your health especially when its left untreated.

To minimise the risk of having sleep apnoea disrupt your life, we’ve compiled the following common causes of sleep apnoea:

• Obesity
• Menopause
• Age
• Enlarged Tonsils or Adenoids
• Tumour in the Airway
• Chronic Sinusitis
• Large Neck Circumference
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Sedatives
• Sleeping Position
• Family History

Although some of these causes can be hard to control, there are still a few things you can do to prevent sleep apnoea. 

How Can We Prevent Sleep Apnoea?

If you suffer from mild case sleep apnoea, you can prevent it and lessen the impact by doing the following:

Losing Weight

One of the most common causes of sleep apnoea is obesity or excess weight gain. And if that’s your case, it’s better to start losing weight right away to further prevent sleep apnoea from affecting your health and well-being.

Start by exercising every day. You'll be surprised at how a 1-hour amount of exercise can make a huge impact not only on your sleeping disorder but also for your whole well-being. Although it is easier said than done, once you persevere it’ll be worth it.

If you’re finding it hard to lose weight especially because of exhaustion and lack of sleep, start undergoing treatment right away. Once you start your sleep apnoea treatment, you’ll feel more energized and motivated to lose weight.

Changing Your Sleeping Position

According to research, sleep apnoea often occurs when you sleep on your back. Try switching sleeping position and sleep on your side instead.

If you’re finding it hard to sleep on your side, find a great mattress that’ll gently support your body. You can also place a thin pillow between your knees, it can help you relieve stress and also have a great night sleep. If that didn’t work, try purchasing some devices that can prevent you from sleeping on your back.

Avoid Consuming Alcohol and Sedatives

Contrary to some people beliefs, alcohol is one of the main causes of sleeping problems.

Although it does help you fall asleep faster, it can also help you hinder your breathing.

Snoring also occurs more often in people who frequently consume alcohol and sedatives, which is one of the few signs of having sleep apnoea.  

Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause the development of serious health conditions like heart disease, cancer, depression, and anxiety. But it doesn’t stop there, smoking can also increase your risk of having sleep apnoea and snoring.

Seriously, there are no benefits that you can attain when you smoke. It’s time to stop and ask your doctor for options on how to quit smoking.  

Don’t Leave A Blocked Nose Untreated

Because of your blocked nose, you’re breathing through your mouth.

And by breathing through your mouth, you’re actually at risk of having sleep apnoea.

If you’re blocked nose is caused by sinus allergies or other medical conditions ask your doctor for help.

If your sleep apnoea is moderate to severe it’s important that you begin treatment immediately by booking an in-home sleep study now. If you’re still unsure whether you are suffering from sleep apnoea, take our free sleep self-assessment questionnaire today.