Sleep apnea is a disorder that results in periods of shallow or paused breathing during sleep. While this is a very difficult condition to diagnose, it is easier to identify when you understand the common causes. Let’s take a closer look at circumstances that might lead to developing sleep apnea.
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Of the two types of sleep apnea – obstructive and central – obstructive is by far the most common. As the name suggests, sleep is disrupted because the airways are obstructed or blocked in some way.
This often happens when there is excess tissue creating an obstruction in the throat, soft palate, or both. Narrow airways and/or excess tissue may occur due to:
- A large tongue
- Enlarged or inflamed tonsils
- Recessed chin
- Large uvula
- Smoking (which causes inflammation)