Feb 16, 2023

Can Skinny People Have Sleep Apnea?

A familiar question around sleep apnea is, “can skinny people develop the condition of apnea?” Sleep apnea often affects the overweight. However, weight issues are not the only reason for sleep-related disorders. Healthy and skinny people can also suffer from this sleep-related problem making it essential to look for the symptoms before weighing the conclusions.

Why the Skinny Develop Sleep Apnea?

When sleeping, the airway collapses, and the muscles at the back of the throat relax, disrupting your breathing and depriving the brain of the oxygen it needs causing it to arouse you briefly to take a deep breath. However, there are various other reasons for the restriction of airflow. They are:

  • A genetically smaller airway, larger adenoids, tonsils, and a retruded jaw are anatomical traits of people with obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Sleep apnea is an extensive problem among ethnic groups like Afro-Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific islanders.
  • Athletes having large and muscular necks are also at risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Hypothyroidism, allergies, a deviated septum, and growth hormone abnormalities are some medical issues that increase the risk of OSA.
  • A slim frame with a narrow airway also increases the risk of OSA.
  • Lifestyle habits like smoking, consuming alcohol, and gastric reflux causing edema in the larynx can lead to obstructive keep apnea.

What Is the Relation between Body Weight and Sleep Apnea?

Excess body weight is undoubtedly a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. However, it does not mean the skinny will not develop this condition. Thin people might develop OSA without the element of body weight playing a role.

Undoubtedly managing body weight is a healthy choice that can help prevent sleep apnea if other conditions are not contributing to the problem. However, if you are slender and are affected by loud snoring and fatigue during the daytime besides irritability, you can consider discussing your symptoms and seeking sleep apnea treatment for skinny with a medical professional.

Can the Skinny Develop Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea affects anyone, including children. Therefore even the healthiest and skinny people can experience sleep apnea. In addition, thin people are less likely to seek a diagnosis for the condition from the dentist in Evergreen Park, IL, thinking sleep apnea merely affects the overweight.

How to Diagnose Sleep Apnea?

If you are affected by sleep apnea, you can visit the Green Park dentist to explain your symptoms and have a diagnosis by a sleep medicine specialist spending an overnight stay with tubes connected to your body to undergo a sleep test. Alternatively, you can also have a home sleep apnea test at affordable prices than visiting a sleep clinic.

If the sleep medicine specialist confirms you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, you are recommended to use the CPAP device to wear at night to open your airway to provide sufficient oxygen to your brain when sleeping. Unfortunately, the CPAP instrument is uncomfortable and not tolerated by many people using it.

In such cases, dentists provide an oral appliance customized explicitly for your mouth to move your jaw forward to prevent your throat muscles from collapsing. While the device remains effective and relieves sleep apnea, you must keep up with regular visits to your dentist to assess your condition and determine whether the oral appliance fits appropriately.

Tips for Skinny People with Sleep Apnea

Some changes mentioned below can reduce the effects of sleep apnea to promote sound sleep.

Sleep Hygiene: sleep quality relies on your daily routine. In addition, harmful sleeping patterns can undermine any treatments you use to relieve sleep apnea. Therefore, you must avoid concentrating on electronic devices, drinking alcohol, and eating heavy meals and caffeine before getting into bed.

Changing Lifestyle: you must avoid using substances and alcohol that relax your throat muscles, besides using tobacco that damages your lungs. Smoking exacerbates and increases airway irritation making the symptoms of sleep apnea severe.

Changing Sleep Positions: if you sleep on your back, you must switch positions and start sleeping on your sides to ensure your throat remains open and reduces the intensity of sleep apnea symptoms. You might even find it beneficial to sleep upright in a chair.

Stress management: stress is a common reason for sleep apnea. You find it challenging to fall asleep when your mind is going haywire. Therefore you can try meditation, yoga, tai chi, and techniques to help overcome stress and give you a good night’s rest.

Family Dental Care — Evergreen Park can help you diagnose and receive treatment for sleep apnea if you are affected by this condition. Kindly arrange your meeting with them to overcome sleep apnea before its consequences affect you.

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